Potty on the Brain

Nicholas loves Pooh

All this talk of friends getting potty trained made me want to revisit our own opinions, advice, and helpful hints, if not to help others then just to remind me when next fall rolls around! (Get ready, Ryker!) Much of this came from my own research and my mom as well.

-First things to look for:

1. The child tells you after they've gone wet/whatever

2. They tell you while they're going

3. They tell you before they're going- ready!

-We put the toddler potty out a bit in advance, just so it becomes a familiar piece of furniture. Let them sit on it if they say they want to go, but don't let it become a toy.

-Don't reward with toys/food, etc. just stick to praise; if you do otherwise they will go to the potty just for the prize, not the satisfaction and pride of accomplishment. Its called the overjustification hypothesis. What, useless Psych degree?!

-Potty training begins when they are ready. Jump on the opportunity rather than waiting until it fits your schedule.

-We dedicated a good week to be at home as much as possible with no pants on. The fewer barriers to making it to the potty, the better! For this reason we chose a toddler potty rather than a toilet cover, because the more comfortable going to the potty is, the more likely they are to use it. Its all about making them feel confident and comfortable going!

-Accidents can happen, but try to minimize them by being really close to home, and working on the aforementioned comfort issue. The first few days they will go to the bathroom a ton, and over time the trips will consolidate. Nicholas seriously went 40 times the first day, no joke.

-Don't read stories/dance/sing to them on the potty; it distracts from the real reason and they will say they have to go just for the fun time! (we made this mistake :) Once Upon a Potty-never again!)

- Stick to diapers/pull ups at night until they are dry for a while. Being dry at night is the last step. No use shattering their confidence! It will set you back.

-We didn't do pull ups during the daytime. They have the same feel as diapers, and could be confusing to kids. Go cold turkey, and never look back. Underwear all the way!

-Once they are on their way, keep in mind they may not always tell you when they need to go. I would ask Kiki every hour or two, and have him go every time before we left to somewhere.

-If all else fails and they seem like they're not ready, just drop it and try again later! You have to be committed 100% but they need to be ready too.