“Sure to succeed” groundwork for potty training
While you are waiting for your toddler to show the signs of readiness, which will mean it is the ideal time to start potty training, there are some things you can do for and with your child to maximize the chances of early success when you do begin.
Pay attention
By observing your toddler you will be in a better position to notice the signs of readiness when they do appear. Is he becoming interested in grownup toileting? Has the regularity of his own bodily functions increased? Has he started to notice when he needs to ‘go’?
Teach them the language
Start talking to him about his bodily functions and body parts, using whatever terms you are comfortable with. When you are changing his diaper talk to him about what is going on. Talk about the difference between wet and dry.
When the weather is warmer, consider letting him run around with a bare bottom. This will give him a chance to observe his own bodily functions.
Buy or borrow children’s books on the subject of potty training. By introducing these books into reading time your toddler will learn about the potty training process and the tools.
Buy the tools
1. Potty or toilet adaptor – purchasing the potty early in the process give your toddler time to get familiar with it. You might get him to sit on it occasionally, even if he is fully clothed! If possible, let your toddler choose their own potty. If you are using a hand-me-down potty, let your tot personalize it with stickers. Buy two potties, one for upstairs and one for downstairs. These potties should be identical to save yourself some frustration.
2. Step stool – teach your child how to wash his own hands. To do this safely, a sturdy step stool is a must.
3. Books and dvds – Children’s potty books are fun way to introduce all of the new concepts to your child. Children love watching tv. Dvds are great at capturing their attention and conveying the ideas of potty training.
Invite them into the bathroom
Let your child follow you into the bathroom and see what happens first hand. Explain what you are doing in a relaxed, matter-of-fact manner, and do not refer to the process being dirty or yucky in any way. A same sex parent or sibling is best for modeling, but not essential.
Start doing diaper changes in the bathroom so that he understands and associates the bathroom with urinating and doing bowel movements.
Get your toddler used to flushing the toilet. Some children are scared of the noise and splashing water.
Teach your toddler how to wash and dry his own hands. Use the opportunity to talk to him about the difference between wet and dry.
Ensure that your bathroom is a safe place for a small curious visitor.
Encourage independence
Teach and encourage your tot to dress and undress himself. Dress him in clothes he can realistically handle himself, such as elastic-waisted trousers.
Encourage compliance
Start making small requests of compliance from your child, such as tidying away his own toys, and carrying, collecting and delivering items. Heap praise for compliance as well as how well the job was done. This way, when you go into the potty training phase he is more likely to sit on the potty when suggested.
Talk up potty independence
Sell the idea of potty independence to your child. Remind him of the real undies ‘at the end of the rainbow’. Read children’s potty books to reinforce your messag.
Grow confidence
Encourage your toddler to try lots of new things, and let him know that it is normal not to be perfect immediately. Praise him for trying. Let him see that you are happy to try new things too, that you take time to learn too.
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If you are looking for easy, inexpensive activity ideas to do with your toddlers and preschoolers, check out my other website Doing Stuff With Kids.
