pottytrainingmanual.com

When you start thinking about potty training your toddler, there are a few questions you need to ask before you begin. The most important thing is to be well prepared for the challenge of moving from from diapers to the potty to make this as easy as possible for both you and your toddler.

1. Are they ready?
It’s important to start potty training at just the right time.

You’ll know when they’re ready when they get more interested in you going to the toilet – they’ll see it as a BIG potty!, they tell you when they’re wet or shw discomfort through being wet or otherwise. When this happens, it’s worth having a first go at potty training; don’t be concerned if things don’t go as well as you would want them to  and if necessary , wait a few days/weeks and have a nother go.

2. Are you ready?
It’s as important as your child being ready that you are also.

You’ll need to prepare yourself mentally for the change ahead, needing quite a bit of  of patience and understanding. There will be accidents and setbacks which may lead you to be cross and frustrated but it’s essential that you recognise this as being normal and that you stay calm and supportive for them.

3. Should we use a Potty Chair?
A normal, adult sized  toilet can be pretty intimidating for a toddler. Naturally, the seat is  large and a toddler will need to hold on to avoid falling in. It can also be pretty scary for a toddler as “things” vanish in there when you flush – remember this is all new to them and perhaps a bit mysterious. This is why a lot of kids are more comfortable with a potty chair at first. After a few weeks though you’ll probably be able to go on to a potty seat insert that fits onto the normal toilet which will avoid having to do a potty cleanup.

4. What about using a potty doll?
A potty doll can be a great aid in training but is not particularly necessary. A potty doll can be made to pee like a real child and usually comes with diapers, panties and a potty chair. The doll will often help during the pre-potty training phase when you are getting your child used to the idea of going in the potty instead of the diaper. You can show your toddler what’s supposed to happen with the doll and let them get used to the idea by playing with the doll – kids are great at copying adults! When you’re ready to start training, you can  put the doll on the potty next to your child and the’ll soon get the idea of what’s going on.

5. What about potty training rewards?
It might be an idea before you start potty training to decide if you are going to use some sort of rewards as encouragement for your child, or if you will simply make your child feel great about his successes by praising them. Using simple rewards can be a great potty training tool, but it isn’t by any means necessary as long as you get the message across that you are proud of them.

If you take a a few minutes to reflect on these basic potty training questions for yourself and go over them with your partner you’ll be sure that your appraoch is consistent between you you  before you start potty training your child. It will help you give your child a clear picture of what you are both trying to accomplish and will cut down on any confusion.