Potty Training 101: How to get Started

Potty training can feel like an impossible task, especially when you do not know where to begin. Getting started can be the hardest part, but knowing the correct steps to take in order to get your child going on the potty can make the process much easier. Once you have recognized your child exhibiting signs of readiness, discussed in one of our earlier blogs, you can begin with potty training.

Establishing a Routine

One of the key steps to successful potty training is establishing a routine. Implementing potty time in regular time intervals will help your child become accustomed to regularly using the potty, and waiting in between. Most parents ensure their child uses the bathroom after waking up in the morning or after naps, as well as before bed or naptime. You can best determine when potty breaks are necessary depending upon your own child’s schedule. Either way it is crucial to try and keep up with the schedule because this will create a routine for your child to regularly use the bathroom.

Using Positive Reinforcement

When your child has a successful attempt on the potty, it can be efficient to provide them with some words of motivation. Verbal praise or reinforcements can help encourage your child to continuously use the potty. Positive words will only incentivize your child to keep returning to the potty as they are ensured they are doing the right thing. Reinforcements like their favorite snack or a star chart can also encourage children to return to the potty, as they are rewarded for their efforts. Star charts can remain in the bathroom space and can be a reminder of your child’s efforts. After earning a predetermined amount of stars your child can earn some type of reward. Utilizing small snacks, which are only available to your child at the occurrence of potty time, has also proven to be very effective. After each time your child uses the potty, they can receive whichever snack was chosen, but it should be special to potty time, designated only for this time.

Clothing Strategies During Training

Another helpful tip, from parents who have endured this process, is to keep your child naked or just in underwear during potty training. Keeping your child naked allows them awareness of the sensations happening within their body. It gives them an understanding that their body is actually producing something and it needs somewhere to go. It is important to try and stray away from using pull ups as it supports the usage of diapers, which mask these happenings in your child’s body.

Handling Accidents Calmly

When accidents do occur, and oftentimes they will because no one is perfect, it is important to handle them in a calm manner. Clean your child and the area where the accident occurred and place them on the potty to reinforce the idea of using the bathroom. It can be beneficial to talk about why the event was considered to be an accident and reassure them to speak up when they feel the need to go.

Keep Going and Have Fun!

All in all, it’s all about effort! As much as you are willing to get your child on the potty and keep working towards their successes is as much as your child will want to be successful themselves. There will be setbacks, but it is all a part of the process! Potty training can be stressful, but it is a transformative experience in your child’s life, so most importantly, have fun!