Potty Training

by Diana Register | More from this Blogger

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?

Learn more about Diana Register

I am a stay at home mom currently living in California.

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