Having a Baby

The first day parents begin the process of potty training their toddler can be a day of happiness and trepidation. No more diaper changes is a big incentive to begin the process, but it can be a long and frustrating experience.

While you as the parent may be ready, with the potty seat, underwear, books on how to potty train, DVDs and a reward system established for positive reinforcement, you need to make sure you have prepared your child for the big event. It helps them understand that changes are coming and you will be there to help guide them along their way.

First, establish the language or lingo your family will use to describe urinating and defecating with your toddler. It can be the formal terminology or something simple, like “poop” or “pee pee.” Whatever it is, make sure that everyone, including Grandma and Grandpa and any extended family members, know the words so they can also help with the potty process.

Begin by allowing your child to see you use the facilities. Showing them how it is done is much better than just explaining how to potty train. If your child is curious, then have him or her flush the toilet. If it is possible, have someone of the same-sex show your child how to use the potty.

Kids learn by imitation, even in the restroom. To potty train boys, it is a great help to have someone who looks like them anatomically to show them what to do.

Give your child a potty chair and make a production of how it is his or her very own big kid chair. Initially, allow your child to sit fully clothed on the potty seat, like it is a regular chair. Let your child to leave the potty chair at any time they want and remember to never force your child to spend time sitting on the chair.

Take your child to the potty chair whenever he or she gives you the signal that they need to evacuate. You will usually have a good idea when they need to go as their facial expressions may change. You may also need to act as a reminder since toddlers tend to get absorbed in what they are doing and only realize they need to go when it is too late.

Refrain from expressing disappointment if your child does not urinate or have a bowel movement in the potty. Never punish your child for potty accidents or for their refusal to sit and use the potty, if he or she is resistant.

You put your child at risk for regression by doing so. Try working on building positive toddler behavior by seeking out good advice from family, friends, your doctor, or by researching online. This will lead to toilet training success.

Two suggestions you should try to remember when teaching your child how to potty. First, don’t use pull-up type training pants. They can confuse your child because they are very similar to diapers.

Secondly, don’t give your child any liquids within two to three hours before bedtime. That leads to accidents or the need to get up and go potty in the middle of the night.

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Posted on December 4th, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Having a Baby