If you are here, it’s probably because you are looking for ways to help your toddler graduate to using the big boy toilet. This new stage is always described as an exciting time that ushers in a new milestone. Parents swell with joy and pride when their children have been potty trained and changing diapers has become a thing of the past.
Even though this is a victory, it does not always come easy. It can be a very long, frustrating, and tiring journey. It’s also very challenging for a lot of parents and children to get this skill down packed. This is because every child has their own pace, and they respond to different approaches. But do not worry, with guidance, your child will master it and all your efforts will be worth it.
I have put together a list of tips that have worked in my home and for other people as well. I hope they come in handy for you too.
Potty Training Tips
1. Make sure they are ready
When it comes to potty training, every child has their own pace. Some kids take to the potty right away, while others may approach it tentatively. Maybe your child is not ready to potty train at 2 years old, but perhaps by the age of 3, they might march to the potty confidently.
Look for signs that they are ready. These signs could be: Not wanting to soil their diaper, hiding to potty, or they are staying dry for longer times.
You may want to check out this article on Parents.com on 10 Signs your Child is ready to Start Potty Training.
2. Be patient
Your child is probably not going to be potty trained within the first week that you begin to work on it. You might become frustrated and even angry at times when you see that they are still having accidents. Remind yourself that they are doing their best and that it takes time. If you feel like you need a break, take one and unwind.
If you always seem upset and tired, your child might become scared. Make sure to make this process a positive experience.
3. Have a schedule
I’m not gonna lie, this can be very tedious. But having a schedule is going to help your child get used to going to the potty and not soiling their underwear by accident. The more familiar they become with the potty, the easier it’s going to become each time they go.
You might want to follow a schedule of taking them to potty every 2 hours or so. Even if they feel like they do not need to go, tell them to just try and see if anything comes out. You may adjust that time to be longer or shorter according to your child’s needs.
4. Wear Pull-Ups
Pull ups will allow your child to use the potty more independently. It will be easier to pull down their underwear to use the toilet and back up when they are done. This will give them a sense of wearing big boy underwear, while having the added protection in case of an accident.
5. Play the target game
Lots of parents to boys swear by this method. Add a few pieces of Cheerios into the toilet and have your child play “hit the target” while peeing. The goal is to aim in the middle of the cheerio, therefore hitting the target.
It makes the experience fun and will have your child wanting to go potty again.
6. Sit them down
It may be a good idea to have them sitting down on the toilet when you first begin potty training, even if it’s just for peeing. It just makes it easier and more comfortable for them to build their confidence with the potty. You can also sit them backwards so they can see better and have better access to the flushing handle.
7. Take away hiding spots
Children may use a tent, fort, or playhouse as hiding spots to go potty. These provide privacy and allows them to go potty in their diaper, without having to use the toilet. If you are having this issue, perhaps it’s best to remove the tents for some time while they are potty training.
Another case might be that they are using a closet or a particular room in the house to go hide and potty. In that case, you may consider making it inaccessible by blocking the entrance or locking the door.
8. Reward them
Celebrate their efforts by giving them a reward. Every time they go potty, give them something they like, to celebrate their accomplishment. It doesn’t have to be anything big. The point is to have something they can look forward to when they succeed.
Things you could do
- Give them a sticker
- Do a dance party after they go
- Celebrate by clapping
- Give them a balloon
- Give them a piece of candy
- Praise them
These are just some things you could do. Feel free to choose any reward that works best for your child.
It will serve as encouragement, and they will be looking forward to going potty to receive their reward. Once they begin to master the potty, you can slowly transition out of the reward system.
9. Set wearing “Big Boy underwear” as the ultimate goal
A lot of kids get very excited at the thought of wearing big boy underwear. You can tell them that once they learn to go potty, they can have their own. Hype up how cool it would be and how they will get to pick the ones with their favorite characters.
This will serve as extra encouragement to go to the bathroom.
10. What to do if they are afraid
It’s very common for kids to be afraid of the toilet. Many kids feel that they are going to fall in, or even the sound of flushing scares them. Find out the reason why they are scared and comfort them by explaining to them that nothing is going to happen. Assure them that you will be with them throughout and will make sure they do not fall in.
11. Get them a Potty Chair or a Potty Seat
A Potty Chair is a great place to start when potty training your kiddos. It’s low to the ground, which makes it easier for small children to reach and comfortably sit on. It will get them accustomed to the feeling of sitting down and going potty in that way.
Another great option is a Potty Seat. The seat is placed on top of the regular toilet seat, making it more kid friendly since the opening is smaller. It will fit your child better and might take away the fear from falling into the toilet.
Potty training is definitely not always a fun time. It can be very challenging, especially if your child is struggling with it. But once they master it, it is a huge accomplishment worth celebrating. Don’t give up and be patient.
Continue to try different methods and approaches, and you will find the one that works best for your child. Remember, you know your child best. Trust your instincts and try different ways to encourage them to go potty.
Before you know it, they would have graduated to the big boy’s toilet.
Psss… Potty training can be super draining. Because of this, you also need to take care of yourself and unwind. How To Practice Self-care And Mindfullness As A Mom has some tips that will help you get through this stage.
