Development: Is my child ready developmentally for potty training?
Does she remain dry for a couple of hours at a time?
Is she dry in the morning after waking or after a nap?
Is she starting to pull off her diaper after wetting or soiling it?
Does she have regular bowel movements?
Does she show a curiosity about other's toilet habits?
Does she ask for "big kid" panties?
Am I able to recognize outward signs of needing to use the potty? Does she squirm, squat, grunt, or go off into a corner?
Is she telling me that she needs to use the potty?
Is she asking for a diaper change?
Modeling:
Older siblings can demonstrate how to use the potty, or a wetting doll can be purchased to aid in demonstrations.Remember that some children learn best by demonstration, rather then being told how to do something. It is not appropriate for an adult to demonstrate. If a sibling is not able to help teach her, then use a wetting doll.
Motivation:
Use a wetting doll to help motivate the child. The use a character that the child loves will also help motivate her to use the potty. Enlist the help of a relative or friend. Have her call her favorite character after she has gone potty to share in the great news!
Emotional Needs:
Do not "shame" her into using the potty. Do not criticize for failures. Instead use positive messages such as, "That's okay! You will get it next time!"
Expect accidents. I like to use the saying, "That's okay! Accidents happen! Let's just clean this up and then you'll feel better." Giving a big hug at this point is crucial!
Step 1: Becoming Familiar with the Potty Chair
Begin by placing a potty chair in the bathroom so that she gets used to seeing it here.
Step 2: Invitation to Use the Chair
Present the chair to her. "Look, I bought this chair just for you! Isn't it a pretty color? Would you like to sit in it for a minute?"
Don't push her. If she wants to, then let her. She may sit in the chair at first with her clothes on.
Step 3: Planning Training Time
Set aside several hours each day to stay home and potty train. There is no "part-time" potty training. It is all or nothing!
Step 4: Books
Purchase several books that stay next to the potty which you will read to her while she is sitting there. There are many wonderful books for children about learning how to use the "big kid" potty.
Step 5: Potty Training Videos for Children
There are wonderful potty training videos for children. While many of the songs on them make adults snicker, they are very helpful to children. While she is potty training, allow her to watch this video over and over!
It is better to purchase a video that has real children in it, rather than animated. Who better to teach your children, than other children? "It's Potty Time" is a great video to show children who are potty training.
Step 6: Wetting Doll
Have a tea party, in which she names her new doll. Have her give the doll something to drink, and make sure she drinks as well! Then walk the doll to the potty chair with her. Show her the doll's "big girl panties" and then watch the doll go potty together.
Step 7: Party!
Throw the doll a party after it goes potty. Make a huge deal out of it, giving the doll lots of attention so that the child recognizes using the potty is a good thing. Tell her that when she goes potty, she will have a party too! Let her know that when she goes potty, she can call her favorite character and tell him/her the good news. How exciting!
Step 8: Big Girl Panties
Bring out the "big girl panties" and set aside the diapers for sleeping times only. It is important to be dedicated to this! Understand that it is not convenient and you will be cleaning up accidents. It is important to the child's development that you do this with a cheerful disposition! Remember, no shaming!
Step 9: Fluids
Giver her lots to drink! The more fluids she takes, the sooner she has to go potty!
Step 10: Re-invitation to the Chair
Invite her to sit on the chair. If she does not have to go, tell her that it is okay! Let her get up and walk around. Bring her back in ten minute increments until she is able to go. Remember to use her time sitting on the potty to read to her.
Step 11: Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
When there are accidents, give her fluids. Take her to the potty every ten minutes until she goes. By doing this, you are "muscle memory building". Never criticize, but ALWAYS PRAISE! Learning to go potty is hard work for little ones. Celebrate all accomplishments, both big and small!
Step 12: Time Limits
Do not set time limits on her potty training! Let her take her time. If you rush her through the process, she will become frustrated and revert back to diaper s only.
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