Potty Training Tips To Help Your Toddler Be Successful
Raising toddlers is an exciting and exhausting time. One of the joys of raising a toddler is saying goodbye to diapers and hello to the potty. Potty training your little one can take some time and usually does not happen right away. If you are thinking about potty training your toddler, there are a few things that you should know in order to be successful. This article will give you some great potty training tips to help make the whole process a lot easier on both you and your child.
Every child is unique and develops at their own speed. Just because your friend’s kid was potty trained by three years old doesn’t mean that your child will be too. Usually kids will give you cues that they are ready to begin potty training. One of the classic signs to look for is your child hiding when they are going to the bathroom. Another sign is them going to the bathroom in inappropriate places such as closets or behind furniture. When your child starts displaying this behavior, it is probably time to invest in a potty.
Sometimes the best way to teach your little one something is to actually show them. When your child is beginning to potty train, take them in the bathroom with you and encourage them to do the same thing you are. Even if your little one doesn’t go, have them sit there to get used to the potty. If you have a little girl, explain the importance of wiping front to back. Most little kids love to mimic their parents, so chances are good that they will catch on faster by watching and copying you.
A big motivator for little kids are prizes and rewards. You can use special toys, candy and other incentives, and when they go on the potty you can give them a prize. It can be helpful to make a grab bag of different things like play-dough, bubbles, candy and other small items they like, and let them choose their own prize. This adds an extra element of fun to potty training. Once your child makes the connection between going on the potty and getting a reward, they will catch on very quickly.
Trying to get your toddler to stay on the potty until they do something can mean waiting there for quite a while. A toddler’s attention span is not that long, and sitting in once space for a long time can be almost impossible for them. This is why it is important to put things around the potty in the bathroom that will engage your child while they sit there. Be creative and think of toys that will make them want to sit there until they go. This can make your job of making sure they stay put much easier.
There are many joys that come with parenting and potty training is one of them. Apply the tips from this article to help make the whole potty training process easier for both you and your toddler.
