Tips for toilet training
When you feel that your child is ready for toilet training, keep in mind that it may not happen quickly. It‘s a long process with many ups and downs. The goal is to make it as positive, natural, and stress-free as possible.
Here are some tips for getting started:
- Keep it calm. There’s a better chance of success when you're able to concentrate on the process for a few weeks. If you’re in the middle of a move or a new sibling has just arrived, consider waiting until you're in a regular and more relaxed routine.
- Teach the lingo. Help your child recognize and understand the words to use with toilet training. Talk to your child about body parts and what a toilet or potty is used for. If you use special names to describe urine and bowel movements, consistently use these names so you don't confuse your child. When you're changing a diaper, talk about wet and dry. State when you need to use the bathroom, take your toddler with you, and explain what you're doing.
- Buy a book. Many parents find it helpful to get a children's book that specifically talks about learning to use the potty. Some books even come in girl and boy versions. Books help your child relate the words you're using to a picture or illustration that helps her better understand the concept.
- Help your child recognize signs of needing to use the potty. If you think your child needs to urinate or have a bowel movement, ask. Anticipate that she may say “no”—her response may not be truly indicative of her need. If your child then goes in her diaper, explain that when she feels that way next time she can tell you and you'll take her to the toilet. It will take time, but once your child understands the feeling in advance, you can move on to the next stage of trying to use the toilet.
- Get your child her own potty. Let her know that this is now her very own toilet. To help explain how to use it, try changing your child's diaper in the bathroom and placing the contents of the diaper in the potty. It's also good to talk about when she should use the potty, while she's sitting on it. Even if she sits there with her clothes on, you'll be helping her connect the words with the action.
