How to Potty Train Any Child
Being able to use the potty is a huge transition and a big stepping stone to any child. It means the child is able to be independent and could hold onto himself. If you’re having a hard time trying to potty train your child (no matter if it’s a boy or a girl), patience is always the major key to success. Since not every child is a fast learner, you’ll have to be with them every step of the way. Before you start in potty training your child, you’re required to have these things: stickers or treats, reward chart, ring insert for regular toilet, underpants, and potty chair.
To get ready, select the perfect time for both you and your child so the training session won’t easily be interrupted. At the very least, you child should have the ability to use the basic words for poop, pee, and toilets as well as follow simple commands. There will be better chances of succeeding in the mission if you see your child is able to take his own pants off and shows willingness in being independent and cooperate. Next, get the perfect potty. Buy a model that is easy to clean (and has a splash guard if your child is a boy). An additional ring insert for regular toilet would be great as well.
While you’re at it, stock up on some special training underpants and get at least 20 pairs of them to help in containing any accidents during your potty training sessions. Most of these underpants contain padding. You should also start talking to your child about the benefits and the joys of potty training. Read a book relating to toilet-training to your child (make sure the book is easy to comprehend and is up to his level of understanding). The book ‘Once Upon A Potty’ by Alona Frankel is a good start. Both of you can exchange discussions about potty training and being able to be independent at the toilet. You may start your full training session and allow yourself to focus on your child and clean up any accidents. If your child is showing any positive progress (you may rely on the reward chart from time to time), reward them with fun treats or stickers.
Top potty-training tips to know before you start to potty train your child
- Potty-training can be tremendously challenging and difficult for most parents and a battle for the toddlers as well so patience and compromise are the keys to success.
- You need to understand the usual sequence of your child gaining bowel and bladder control: (1) nighttime bowel control; (2) daytime bowel control; (3) daytime bladder control; and (4) nighttime bladder control.
- Potty-training will always be a complex skill for anyone to master. Instead of rushing yourself and your child to the potty, find out what kind of techniques involved in learning toilet skills. The techniques should be done in a proper order.
- Don’t push yourself and your child too hard if there aren’t any positive changes seen (yet). Be patience and see what you’ve been doing wrong. Perhaps you should change the tricks and methods used and focus on something else.
- Potty-training will always be partnership between you and your child. By understanding each other’s roles, everything will be made easier.
