Potty Training
Here's What To Do
Consider if I'm truly ready, help me prepare, and gather cleaning supplies for when I have accidents.
Many families like to begin the process by dedicating a weekend or holiday break where they can stay at home and focus on potty training. Different methods work for different children, but here are two methods that many families try:
- Allow me to spend the whole day wearing no diaper or pants. I will have accidents at first, but I'll quickly understand the feeling of needing to "go" and the consequences of not making it to the bathroom in time. When I start to go to the toilet successfully, then I can try wearing pants and underwear.
- Take me to the bathroom every 15-30 minutes and sit me on the toilet so I can try to go.
Expect that I will have accidents, and treat them matter-of-factly. Please don't yell at me or pressure me, and try to keep it positive. It can help to protect furniture with towels and to keep disinfectant nearby. Know that it will take me a while to be fully trained while I'm awake, and longer to stay dry while I'm napping or sleeping at night.
Be prepared when we leave the house. Pack a change of clothes, bring a portable potty seat, and whatever else I might need in a public bathroom (tissues, wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.)
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Take a deep belly breath when parts of the training process are messy or frustrating.
Engage:
- "You're going to learn to use the potty. That's so exciting!"
- "Ooops! You forgot that you're not wearing a diaper right now and you had an accident. No problem, we can try again next time. Let's get you cleaned up."
Encourage:
- Make it a huge deal when I successfully "go" in the toilet. Like: "Woo hoo, give me a high five. You went in the potty!"
- It's okay to gently remind me to go. If I say I don't need to, don't make an issue out of it. Try: "You usually have to go to the bathroom after we eat breakfast. Do you feel like you need to go now? Okay we can wait, tell me when you feel like you do."
Reflect:
- How else might you be able to support me as I learn this new skill?
As your child grows...
They will be able to successfully use a toilet while awake. It usually takes longer for children to avoid accidents while sleeping (at night and during nap time), so they may need a diaper or training pants for sleep even after they're "potty trained."