Preparing for Potty Training
Here's What To Do
Consider if I'm showing signs of potty training readiness (see "Am I Ready for Potty Training" activity).
Help me become familiar with my new potty chair or toilet seat. Put it in the bathroom, and let me sit on it whenever I seem interested. When we're learning, many children find a potty chair (that sits on the floor) more comfortable than a seat that goes on top of the toilet.
Talk about using a toilet in a playful way. Play "potty" with a doll or stuffed animal and read picture books about toilet training with me.
Practice all the skills I'll need for using a toilet. Help me learn to pull my pants down and up, wash my hands, and tell you when I need to "go."
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Take a deep breath and smile. I'll feel less pressure around potty training if you keep it positive.
Engage:
- "Ooooh! Check out your new potty chair! This is a special potty just for you! Do you want to try sitting on it and see how it feels?"
- "Look, monkey stuffie is jumping up and down, I think he has to go potty. Let's help him. Okay monkey, come sit on the potty. Great job, let's wipe and wash your hands!"
Encourage:
- Praise me when I tell you that I need to "go" or when I ask for a diaper change. These both help me pay attention to my body's signals around going to the bathroom.
- If I become interested in you (or other people) using the toilet, talk to me about it in a positive way. Make it seem like something super fun and cool I'll get to do soon.
Reflect:
- Are we ready to begin potty training for real?
Not quite ready?
Look for more signs that I am ready to start potty training before we begin (see "Am I Ready to Begin Potty Training?" activity)
Ready for more?
Begin the process of potty training (see "Potty Training" activity).
As your child grows...
They'll be ready to focus on potty training and having no accidents during the day.