Potty Training Without Stress

There comes a time in life of any parent when you think that you and your child are ready for that big next step - Potty Training. It is different for everyone - some parents start as early as 9 month, some wait till almost 4 years. In any case, the process is stressful for both you and your child. The most important thing is to remember not to expect miracles and know that accidents are going to happen. If you adjust your expectations and be prepared for the clean up that is inevitably required, you are well on your way to a stress-free potty training.

You should start by letting your child watch you sit on a toilet. I know, it sounds gross, but children do learn best by watching you. Explain to her that you are peeing in the toilet and that all adults do that. Tell her that she is a big girl now and ask her if she wants to pee like a big girl. Make sure to sound as if it is the most exciting thing ever.

You can go together to the store to pick out her own potty, or you can start immediately with the toilet, if she is not scared of it. It depends on the child. My girl was trained on the potty, but with my son we went directly to toilet and I must say that it was easier. Of course, you need to do what is most convenient for you.

Start by sitting her on her potty and give her a lot of praise just for sitting there. Don't expect her to use the potty, just be excited that she is sitting there. Show it by praising her, singing to her (you can improvise your own potty song) and sounding very excited (you will have to use your excited voice a lot, so get used to it). You might read a short book or just talk to her. Your goal is to get her thinking that sitting on the potty is great, that she gets attention and praise from mom or dad for sitting on the toilet, and generally associate good things with the potty. Now if she actually uses the potty, you should be overjoyed. Imagine winning the lottery. Let her know what she did and how great it is. Don't be surprised if she starts going to the potty and sitting on it herself, even using it - children love appreciation. Don't forget to praise her every time. When you are at home with her, let her sit on the potty every 30 - 45 minutes. Soon she will understand what is expected of her and will start using her potty every time you let her sit on it. Don't fight with her if she does not want to use it. Remember - potty should be associated only with positive things. If she does not want to sit on the potty, don't push her. Wait for 15 minutes and try again. You might want to get a new book to get her excited about sitting on her potty again.

You are half way there! Now you should stop using diapers or training pants at home. You can use training pants during naps and outings for a while, but at home or backyard - only regular underwear. You can help her choose her panties, and don't forget to sound excited. Get several packs - you will have to wash them a lot at first. Good news is that most kids don't like to soil themselves, so quite soon your kid will notice that she needs to go to the bathroom and will start telling you that she needs to go. Before that, ask her to sit on the potty every 45 minutes. When she starts asking to go potty, you should still be vigilant - remind her to use potty if she have not used it for a couple of hours, before naps or going out. A lot of kids forget that they need to go to the bathroom if they are immersed in some activity - playing with friends, new toys etc. Never punish her for accidents. Quietly change her and let her use the toilet. Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure that she has opportunity to go to the bathroom. Next time she is in situation when she might forget that she needs to pee, have a potty break and return to the activity she was enjoying. Make sure that she does not associate potty with the end of fun. For example, if you are having a playdate, have pottybreak 20 minutes before you have to go home.

Pretty soon your child will be happily potty trained. You managed to avoid power struggles, anxiety and stress. Good Job!