Potty Training Techniques That Work

Tricks To Train The Most Stubborn Toddler

I toilet trained my oldest child the way my parents trained me....with alot of forcefullness and tears. With my younger two children, I decided to try some softer techniques and a couple of tricks. Both times it went quickly and smoothly with fewer tears, accidents and tantrums.

Prepare Your Toddler

Watch for signs of readiness in your toddler like:

• Showing interest in your toileting activities
• Hiding to have bowel movements
• Showing awareness of wet diapers
• Wanting to be changed

Remember, you can always start, and if it's too big of a struggle, simply ease off and try again later.

Allow your toddler to be part of the preparations for toilet training. Take them shopping to pick out a potty chair or clip on seat for the big toilet and a step stool. (I recommend having both). Let your toddler choose his or her own big kidunderwear. If they want to wear them during training, that's great! Thin under garments make them more aware of accidents. Just allow them to run around the house in their underwear during training. For outings, use disposable training pants or a diaper.

I recommend training a child on a rewards system. They give a potty, you give an instant reward. Here are just three techniques that have worked well for me.

Happy Faces

Purchase a dry erase board and colorful markers. Hang the board in the bathroom (or anywhere near your toddler's potty chair). It needs to remain in view whenever your child is near the potty.

Section the dry erase board into days of the week with room after each day to draw on the reward. Each time your child gives a "pee", you draw a happy face of whatever color they like. For a "poo" they get two faces. When the board is full, erase and start over.

For many children, this simple praise method works well, especially if the child has nursery school experience and is familiar with the "happy face" grading system.

Sticker Board

Purchase a large sheet of poster board and divide it into days of the week with markers. Allow your child to pick out packages of stickers that they like. It can be anything from stars and flowers to cartoon charaters. Buy plenty of stickers in a large assortment.

Each time your toddler makes a "pee" they get to choose a sticker and place it on the chart in the corresponding day's line. If they make a "poo" they get to choose either two stickers or one from a group of special stickers you set aside.

This reward system is simple and inexpensive and gives your child something they can share with others. They are so proud to look and see their day's accomplishments.

Cashing In

This little trick works well with an older, more stubborn toddler. Purchase some poker chips (marbles and children's play money also works well) For each "pee" your toddler get's "paid" a predetermined number of chips. The same goes if they make a "poo".

Set a goal with your toddler of a certain number of chips. Once that goal is reached, your toddler gets to "cash-in" the chips for a toy, trip to a favorite restaurant or other goodies. Make sure the reward is set in advace to give your toddler something to work towards.

Remeber, that each and every toddler is different. Some train at earlier ages, some seem to never catch on. No matter where your toddler is on that scale, hang in there and be creative! They will catch on!