Positive ways to get your child ready for potty training.

Your child should know that you DO NOT see him/her as a baby any more. Little things like letting them help pick their clothes out, helping with chores, or even cooking. Your child is a little person waiting to be a BIG person. They can tell when others still baby them and when someone really listens, talks, and cares about what they are thinking.

Each Child is different but most children want to grow up and be a “Big Kid”. There are a few that may decide that they don’t want to grow up, generally because of a younger brother/sister or staying the baby of the family. I feel it is our job as parents to help them move forward in developmental growth both emotionally and intellectually.

Do you remember your first day of school? First day of High School? or Your first job? Each one of these momentous events was exciting and scary. You look forward to that special day for weeks knowing you will be bigger & better, older & wiser then you used to be and it shows that you are smart enough to move on to bigger & better things. You were probably scared not knowing if you could really do it, what to expect or what others would expect from you. The unknown can be scary at age 2 or 200 and Potty Training can be just like that. Your child wants to be a big kid but they may be scared to grow up too.  

By showing them that you have faith in them that they can use the bathroom like everyone else, and you know that even if they have a few accidents along the way that you will still love them, they can do it. It’s not just their attitude about Potty Training but yours as well that can make a huge difference.

 Here are a few helpful ideas that may work for you. 

©      Don’t just wake up one day and say we are going to use the toilet. Ease into it by talking about it for a few days before you start. Read a child’s book about potty training there are several out there. Visit a book store or library with your child. Talk about how others: daddy, mommy, bothers, sisters, and especially other children close in age use the big potty, because they are grown up not baby’s any more.

©      Make a potty chart that can be hung low so they can see and touch it. Like a calendar where they can see their progress, add stickers, smiley faces, however you choose to personalize it. Or choose one or ours for Boys or Girls. You may choose to record accident free days, so that way they can follow there progress. When they have gone a week or two without any accidents throw a party for them “You’re a big kid party!!!”

©      Make a big deal about getting big kid underwear! Make it a present or gift, a special trip shopping, or even have a little get-together inviting friends & family over to see the new underwear, potty chair, toilet training chart, etc. Call grandparents, aunts, uncles and tell them the good news, this way loved ones can give encouragement even if they are far away sharing in your child’s life.

©      Pick the way you want your child to use the toilet allow them to help pick what they want to use, saving the headache of “I don’t want to”. Keep in mind we offer a large variety of Potty Chairs, and have a special WeeMan Urinal for little boys. There are several options:

©      Get rid of the Diaper Bag!!!  Diaper Bags are for babies, and you want your child to know they won’t be a baby any more. Get a backpack or special bag for your child to carry potty training rewards & extra clothes in, if there is an accident. Big kids use backpacks to go to school, and every child knows that only big kids get them.

Keep in mind these are only suggestions and you can pick and choose what will work best for you.

3Dz Family - JR