How to approach the task of potty training

Let's be honest....potty training is not fun and it can be extremely exhausting. You spend all day watching the clock making sure that every half hour, your child has attempted to use the potty. Then when you least expect it, you step in a puddle, or worse.

Before rushing into potty training like a drill sergeant, you first need to feel that your child is ready to start this process. If they are not ready, you're in for a lot of frustration and a lengthier training period. 

How can you tell if your child is ready? Some of the signs of readiness are:

• Your  child may begin to show some interest in the potty.
• They may want to come into the bathroom with you.
• They are aware and act uncomfortable in a wet diaper
• They can pull their pants up and down
• They are dry for longer periods of time

Children will generally show signs of readiness between 18 months and 2 1/2 years. Remember that every child is different so it may be a little sooner or later than this time frame.

Once they are ready it's time to pump them up and make them excited. Include your child in the potty purchase if you don't already own one. Talk about how they'll get to use the potty and not have to wear diapers anymore. There are lots of kids potty training stories you can read, movies that you can watch together and even apps for your phone.

Make sure to start potty training at a time when there are no major life changes happening (new baby, moving etc.) If you are able to clear your calendar and dedicate the first week to potty training, it may be less stressful for you. Not having to go anywhere and being able to dedicate your full attention in the beginning will provide consistency and less risk of messy situations.

Potty training decision number 1: Praise and or Rewards
How will you celebrate your child's success?

Praise: Start by making a big deal of the situation! Praise, Clap, Shout, Call your relatives and speak loudly to make sure that you are overheard! Make sure to be overly enthusiastic so your child will feel like they are doing a good thing and making you so happy.

Reward: If you choose to reward your child, place the rewards in a large bowl where they can see it. This will remind them to use the potty. We used the reward method. I placed our bowl on the kitchen table. We used suckers and raisins as a reward. Anything can be used, such as small toys, stickers, jelly beans etc. 

Potty Chart: These can be purchased, made at home, and downloaded. We used these as well just because they were fun. These can be used also to earn a reward. After going potty, let your child choose a sticker to put on their potty chart.  After a certain amount of stickers, they can earn a special toy.  Maybe you can even give them some extra stickers for a bowel movement or a day with no accidents.

Potty training decision number 2: Pants or No Pants

Pants: Choose some underwear - not pull ups. You want your child to have that wet feeling. The sooner they learn the feeling of being wet is uncomfortable, the sooner they will learn to use the potty successfully.

No Pants: Going Commando. You have to be a very diligent and a little brave for this one. Sometimes the first day or so, it may help your child if they are completely bare on the bottom, no underwear, Pull Ups or diapers. There will be messes, but it really helps them to go potty without anything else to worry about and it is such a big difference from wearing a diaper.

Things to have nearby before you begin training:

• Lots of underwear and pants
• Cleaning supplies
• Timer
• Flushable wipes can be handy when transitioning from soft baby wipes to rough toilet paper
• Potty Chart (if using)
• Rewards (if using)

Time to start:

• Have your child sit on the potty first thing in the morning.
• Set the timer for 30 minutes after every attempt.
• Expect a delay. Sometimes it will take FOREVER. While you're waiting either have a conversation, sing some songs or read a story. This will keep them interested a little bit longer.
• Expect setbacks.  Often the first day of potty training  goes well because your expectations are low.  On Day 2 your expectations begin to increase.  But remember, potty training after the first day is often worse since the novelty is wearing off.  
• Stick it out. You don't want to get frustrated and go back to diapers unless you truly believe that maybe your child really isn’t ready. Without consistency potty training success may be delayed.
• Teach a bathroom routine. Potty, Flush, Wash Hands. Having a routine will make this easier to remember.

Night Time Training:

Some people prefer training both daytime and night time at the same time. When I potty trained my children, I have always preferred to get daytime training under my belt before attempting to train at night. Daytime training can be exhausting and to remain positive, I needed to be able to sleep at night.

Tips for leaving the house:

• Attempt to have your child use the potty before you leave.
• Be prepared for an accident. Bring some extra underwear and a few changes of clothes. I would usually bring 1 outfit for every half hour - it may seem like a lot, but I would rather have them than be without.
• Bring a receiving blanket or something to line your car seat with. This can be left in the car and will just save you time later.
• Keep an eye out so you know where the bathrooms are.
• If its within your budget, invest in a portable potty seat. There are 2 kinds - one that folds into quarters and one that doesn't. We used the non folding type. It doesn't take up much space and we brought it everywhere. Toilets seem so large when your tiny one is perched on them, these seats really help.

This is such a big step in your child's life. No more diapers. They grow so fast.

Just remember to plan, prepare and follow through with your decision. With consistent efforts your child will be successful!