When it comes to potty training, timing is everything. Most children are ready to begin the process between 18-24 months of age, so it’s best to wait until your toddler is showing signs of readiness such as being able to express the need to go and their understanding of what it means. Starting potty training too early or before your child is ready can make the process more difficult and frustrating, so be sure to take the time to observe your toddler and get an idea of when is the best time for them to start.
Potty training doesn’t have to be dreaded by you or your toddler. With a little creativity and patience, potty training can actually be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Here are five tips to help make potty training an enjoyable activity for your toddler.
Start With Patience and Positive Reinforcement
The two big surprises are that toilet-teaching isn’t fast and it isn’t smooth
Maureen O’Brien, Ph.D
Patience is key when it comes to potty training. Each child learns in their own time, and setting expectations that are too high can lead to frustration. Start by setting realistic goals and using positive reinforcement when your toddler makes progress. Praise them whenever they do something correctly and be patient as it may take some time to fully grasp the concept. Even if a training session is unsuccessful, try to remain positive and encouraging. “The two big surprises are that toilet-teaching isn’t fast and it isn’t smooth,” says Maureen O’Brien, Ph.D., director of parenting and child development at The First Years, in Avon, Massachusetts, and author of Watch Me Grow: I’m One-Two-Three. “Several areas of development need to line up first. The child has to communicate well, be aware of their bodily feelings, and understand how much time they need to get there.”
Create a Reward System
Create a reward system for your toddler that allows them to earn a small prize for successful potty trips. This could be as simple as giving them a sticker for every trip or a tiny treat every time they go potty. Rewards can also be a fun way to encourage your little one to use the potty and help them stay focused on the task. If your toddler is running away from the potty, try having a reward chart that tracks their progress and offers bigger rewards for more successes. Remember to congratulate them even on small successes – your enthusiasm can be contagious!
Make Potty Time Fun
Make potty time fun by singing songs, reading stories, and playing games while your toddler is on the potty. This will help keep their attention and even make them look forward to potty time. You can also set aside potty time toys — a special book or toy to bring out only when your toddler is on the potty. This will help make it a positive experience for the both of you. Making potty time fun helps your toddler learn that going to the bathroom is something they should enjoy.
Set a Routine
Setting a potty routine will help your toddler stay on track. Set up regular times throughout the day when you take your toddler to the potty and make sure they know that it’s time to go. The more consistent you are with this, the easier it will be for them to learn. Also, let them choose their own potty training tools such as a sticker chart or special underwear. This will help build up their sense of responsibility and pride in their accomplishment.
Be Consistent
The most important tip for potty training success is consistency. Make sure you’re always reminding your toddler to go to the potty and offering praise when they do. Remember, potty training is a process and success won’t come overnight. It can be difficult to stay consistent with potty training, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. However, it’s important to make time each day to sit with your toddler and remind them to go potty.
It may take some time and patience, but with consistent reminders and plenty of praise, potty training your toddler can be a successful process. Be sure to remain consistent and never give up, and soon your toddler will be a master of the potty!
