I have potty trained two boys. My first son’s experience is documented in this lovely, hopefully, a bit humorous essential Potty Training 101.
Here is the deal. I am not trying to be smug. I will be honest. My second son wasn’t even two yet and he was potty trained. Developmentally he was there and we created the environment for him to do it. I am not trying to say I have all the answers. I feel lucky.
{If you just want to cut to the chase and start potty training NOW and get this stuff over with as soon as possible, check out this eBook: Potty Train in a Weekend.}
Image courtesy of chrisroll at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
11 Essential Potty Training Tips for Parents
With that said, though, I thought I’d share a few things we learned over the last four years:
- Wait until the child shows interest and don’t feel bad about pulling back if you feel the child is not ready.
- Never shame the child when he has an “accident”
- Use an older sibling to take the younger sibling under his wing
- Don’t compare the child with other children. Every child is different developmentally.
- Once you decide to potty train, say GOODBYE to diapers. Don’t go back and forth, it’ll confuse the child.
- Let your child be naked at home but be sure to give practice wearing underwear.
- Be prepared when you go out of the house with extra undies and extra pants (and bags to carry the soiled clothing)
- Create a mindset when you go out of the house: “When my child has an accident while we’re out, it is not a big deal. We change him. Don’t make him feel bad. Just get new undies and new pants on him and move on.” Kids get distracted especially in the early days of potty training. They don’t want to take the time to stop their fun OR they just forget.
- Make going to the potty a routine when you get up in the morning, after lunch, before bed, etc.
- When you go out, carry a training potty like BABYBJORN Potty Chair
. We’ve pulled it out in parking lots, on the side of roads and even in the front yards of friend’s home. Classy, I know.
- Watch the child like a hawk. We adults must be dedicated and committed to the task at hand. When he shows any signs of having to go the bathroom, encourage it by asking him and guiding him to the toilet. Ask him if he would like privacy and if he would like to sit on the “big” toilet. You never know what will catch with these kids.
I really hope this post was helpful to you! Please leave a comment, I love hearing from you!
Marnie