When it comes to potty training toddlers, there are three key stages: preparation, preparation, and potty training techniques.
Preparation for potty training
Before you begin your potty training journey, it’s important to understand that the key to your success will be making sure your child is potty ready.
There is much more to consider than just the age of your child. Using the potty takes a lot of skills and you may be hitting your head against a brick wall if you decide you want your toddler to be potty trained before it is developmentally possible for them. Once you have established that your child is ready and you have chosen the best time for you and your family, then it is time to begin.
Tips on preparing for potty training
- Model correct toilet use for your toddlers as they learn to use the toilet. Let them see you go.
- Make sure you have all the equipment you will need. You could buy this with your son to really help motivate him.
- Read all about potty training toddlers yourself.
- Explore some of the many toddler potty training resources you can get specifically for girls and specifically for boys. Choose the ones that are right for you and your child.
- Real talk using the potty. Make it sound fun and exciting.
- Allow your child to go on command (bare bottoms!) at certain times of the day.
- Make sure your child has a ‘potty’ vocabulary.
Some potty training techniques
- Help motivate your child. What ways can you think of that will really make your child want to use the potty? You know them best.
- You may want to use a decal chart.
- Use a doll to help model the behavior. First train the doll to go to the toilet. You can get some great wet/dry dolls, that get wet when you feed them and come with their own potties.
- Watch potty training videos with your toddler.
- Read books with your toddler about potty training.
- Start wearing training pants (and clean up clumps as they happen) OR use pull-up diapers OR a combination of both.
- Keep an eye on your toddler. What are their signs to show you that they are about to leave? Is there a pattern to the times that go?
- Look at the clock. Set a timer and take your child to the bathroom every hour and after meals.
- Turn on a faucet while your toddler is sitting on the potty. (The sound of dripping water is very suggestive!)
- Make sure you and other family members are really enthusiastic and supportive.
- Prodigal in praise.
- Make a game of using the potty.
- Teach your child good hygiene, such as hand washing.