Potty Training 101

August 10, 2010, By Catherine Couretas 5 comments

One of the biggest milestones you and your children will encounter is the transition from diapers to using the toilet. However, it’s not something you want to rush or pressure a child into; it takes patience and determination from both you and the youngster.

Knowing Your Child is Ready

There are certain signs you should look for to know your child might be able to make the big transition. You’ll know your child is probably ready if he or she …

• Grunts, squats or tells you that he or she has to go to the bathroom
• Is enthusiastic about learning new things, including using a toilet
• Is usually cooperative and can understand directions
• Has good communication skills and can tell you when he or she needs something
• Knows how to pull down his or her own pants
• Gets uncomfortable in dirty diapers
• Has somewhat predictable bowel movements

Age-wise, children are usually ready around the age of 2. Some, however, might not be ready until they are 6 months or even 9 months older than that. Remember, be patient. There’s time.

How to Train

First, you’ll want to figure out what to have your child use. Both boys and girls should be trained sitting down, so your options range from a small, plastic potty on the floor of the bathroom to a seat for a regular toilet that’s more of your youngster’s size.

The Mayo Clinic suggests scheduling potty breaks. This would mean your child has specific times every day when they go sit on the toilet for a few minutes. If they aren’t able to go, they can always try later.

In addition, you’ll want to make a run for it every time you suspect your child has to go and encourage them to tell you when they do. Praise them for trying if it didn’t work out and tell them there is always next time.

Girl-specific: Be sure to teach girls to wipe from the front to the back as to not spread germs.

Boy-specific: Once bowel training has been finished, transition them to standing up to urinate. It’s nothing like the original transition but something that they will just have to get used to.

Lastly, teach them to wash their hands! Every time, no matter what, they should wash their hands. Even if they sit for a few minutes and don’t actually “go,” it’s important they know to wash their hands after leaving the bathroom.

Incentives to Offer

Offering treats and rewards for children who use the toilet when they should makes the process a lot more fun. You should always offer encouraging words such as “Wow, you’re doing so well!” or “You’re just like all of the big kids now!” In addition to those, consider a trip for ice cream after dinner once a week or an extra toy for good work or even just improvement.

Always, always let your child know that they are truly improving. If they’re not and you’re not getting anywhere with potty training, you might want to wait 2-3 months. Be strict yet patient – don’t let it deter you if your child tells you once they don’t want to. You don’t want to overwhelm your child and they WILL begin to learn … when they’re ready. If after a couple of weeks things haven’t gotten better, give it a rest until next time. If it has gone on for a while and you’re still not having any luck, consult your doctor for the next steps to take.

Training your children to use the toilet can be rewarding for the entire family – children learn something new and are rewarded while parents can be at ease and no longer have to worry about changing diapers.

Catherine Couretas is a freelancer at Barefoot Proximity and a contributor to Man of the House.