Preparing for Potty Training
If you are planning to commence potty training with your tot and she has displayed sufficient signs of readiness, it is time to prepare for the main event. It is recommended that you spend at least a week preparing to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible.
Prepping the Team
Taking the time to communicate the process, set expectations and get everyone excited will ensure that there is consistency in the potty training process, and that your child has lots of supporters.
1.Trainee – if you haven’t started yet, start setting the scene for success. Talking enthusiastically about the advantages of being clean and dry, and reminding her that when she is dry she will be able to wear her flash new knickers.
2.Family – having parents on the same page with the process, and siblings willing to show exactly how it is done will let your tot know that everyone wants her to succeed.
3.Daycare – if your child is in daycare it is important that a consistent approach taken at home and away from home so that they do not get confused. Talk to daycare early on – you might get some great pointers from them as they will have been through the process many times.
What to buy
Potty training is not something you can do without spending a bit of money. There are a few key items which are absolute necessities and a few others which will make the going a little easier and safer. Get your toddler involved in making some of the choices, and this will increase her buy-in to the whole process.
1.Potty or toilet adaptor – this is a necessity. Having a potty or adaptor that fits your child will give them confidence. An ill-fitting potty or putting your child straight on the ‘big’ toilet could lead to fear and resistance. 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. If you are not in a single-story home, buy one potty for upstairs and one for downstairs. To save yourself some frustration, buy identical potties.
2.Training pants – reusable or disposable training pants allow your child to independently undress.
3.Real undies – buy lots! There will be accidents…and mess, so be prepared. Let your toddler choose her favorite character panties. She will be more motivated if she likes her knickers. Buy knickers at last one size bigger, this will make it easier for her to pull them up and down.
4.Step stool – for your child to be able to independently get on and off the toilet safely, and wash her own hands a sturdy step stool is a must.
5.Books and dvds – highly recommended. Books are great to reading time and for reading during a potty-sit. Children love watching tv. Dvds are great at capturing their attention and conveying the ideas of potty training.
6.Potty doll – or teddy, or other soft toy. This will be used by your tot to model the process. An existing toy or doll will work just as well as a new one, however getting your toddler to choose a new one for herself may increase her anticipation of the new adventure.
7.Motivation and rewards – prepare or purchase star charts and other rewards. Involve your toddler and explain how the rewards will be earned. Put the rewards within sight, but tantalizingly out of reach.
Other stuff to get ready
1.Bathroom safety – ensure that all surfaces are scrupulously clean, check water temperature and remove hazards.
2.Changes to diet and fluid intake – increase the amount of fluid and fresh fruit and vegetables your toddler is consuming. Extra fluids will give her more opportunity to practice her newly learned skills, while fresh fruit and veggies will keep constipation at bay.
Remember… “Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity.” Henry Hartman
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