Potty Training Baby Families.com

Potty Training

I admit that I find potty training one of the worst parental tasks I have encountered in 14 years of parenting. It always seems like an impossible task no matter how many times I have done it. Some moms are giddy with excitement updating their social media statuses telling the world that potty training will now commence in their home. I am never that excited. I always wish the child would some how magically potty train herself. I dislike the task so much that I offered to pay my teenager to potty train my last child. She decided she didn’t need the money that badly. I don’t blame her. The worst part is that after potty training four children, other moms see me as an expert and ask me all the time what tips I have. I have none. I’m a pathetic mom who potty trained by the skin of my teeth each and every time.

So, why am I telling you this? Because despite my inadequate feeling in my ability to potty train I have four potty trained children. I succeeded. So, if I could succeed then you certainly can master this feat of parenting.

I know what you are thinking. You are thinking I could not have been in a coma all four times. I should know something that could help you in your quest. Well, I learned that patience is a key to success. I learned that positive reinforcement goes a lot further than the negative. I learned that the victory belongs to the child and not to me. I learned that toddlers can pee on demand if candy hangs in the balance. I learned that you may have a perfectly potty trained princess and out of the blue she wets her royal bloomers for a week straight. I learned that consistency and training do work. It is called potty training so don’t be afraid to get a potty routine going. I also learned that it is okay to have a 2 and half year old that still is not potty trained is okay. They learn faster and easier a little older anyway. I learned this is just one more phase that feels like it lasts longer than it really does.

So get out there and buy that potty and stickers….perhaps some candy…and let the potty training commence.

Potty Training

Welcome to toddler-dome. Potting training is one of the hardest milestones to overcome, but it can be done. Read up on all the books out there with clinical tips on how to get it done, but I am here to share with you how it worked for me.

I have three children, a daughter; 10, a son; 8, and a daughter; 3. They’re all pretty much out of diapers now; thankfully I am only working on the last one and not the first two.

I don’t care what anybody else tells you, it’s harder to potty train a girl than it is a boy. So, I will start with boys first, because there are some tricks of the trade that really work.

BOYS:

1. Cheerios. Yes, I said cheerios. Put some cheerios in the toilet bowl and tell them to take aim. They love trying to sink them – it’s like a game of battleship. Once they sink one, they will want to visit the battlefield often.

2. Let them get naked: And let them get naked outside. If it’s a warm enough day, and you’re outside doing something, let them strip down and run around sans diaper. Not only will they love the freedom, but eventually they will have to “go”. Letting them try it out in the bushes really does work. There must be some kind of k-9 mentality plugged into little boys, because marking their territory is really a big thing. A word of caution: Once they release in the wild, don’t make a habit out of it. You might end up having a problem breaking them from the plants to the actual toilet. But, it does get them started.

3. Have Daddy be a model: If your husband is up for it, have him take Junior with him and show him how it’s done.

GIRLS:

1. Let them teach their dolly. Give your girls the tools, and let them teach their dollies. While they’re giving the lesson, ask your little girl to show her how to do it.

2. Commit a day. Take a day and make it potty training day. Take your girl to the potty every 15 minutes, with 10 minute breaks in between. During those breaks, make sure she gets plenty of fluids and even a little soda because it goes right through them. Eventually they’ll have to go.

3. Read a book. There are tons of little books out there for you to read to your child about going potty.

Finally, practice patience, patience, patience. Don’t punish accidents. Turn on the faucet when they’re in the potty to get them in the mood. And of course, rewards! A neat trick is to place a bowl of m&m’s or some other kind of candy in the bathroom. Every time they go, they get a candy. Make sure you jump up and down and clap and call everybody within ear shot in the bathroom to praise your baby. You may feel stupid, but it will be worth it.

What suggestions can you share? What worked for you?