Top 5 Potty Training Tips
6/26/2012 | by Heather Wittenberg
Potty training happens all sorts of ways, depending on your child’s personality. I’m in the process of potty training our fourth child, and I’m reminded how different each child has been at this stage. One was resistant until he was almost four, and one seemed to train herself overnight!So with all that experience -- I’ve been buying diapers and Pull-Ups® potty training pants without a break since 2001 – here are my Top 5 Potty Training Tips:
1. Enjoy the ride. Potty training is a process, not a single event. Celebrate the small steps your child takes toward mastering this important milestone.
2. Respect. Toddlers think differently than we do. They view their poop and pee as parts of themselves, and can get frightened about flushing a part of themselves away. Get into the toddler mindset and show your child you appreciate his fears. Once he feels understood, his desire to be a Big Kid will take over.
3. Rewards. Many children respond well to a reward – a sticker or a small treat – but don’t go overboard if it doesn’t help. More treats won’t get your more progress. On the other hand --
4. NO Rewards. Some children do better without rewards. Potty training should be motivated by your child’s pride in mastering her body – not by tons of prizes.
5. Daddy Do It. Or the babysitter or teacher. Or older siblings, cousins, and friends, who can be powerful Big Kid role models. Asking others for potty training support is a great way to go!
