• Toilet Training  Tips
    For You & Your Child
  •  

    Indicators of "Readiness"
    As your toddler grows, you can watch for signs that indicate it may be time to start the learning process:
     
    • Your child follows you into the bathroom and wants to imitate and please you.
    • Your child pauses during play or finds a private place to have a bowel movement.
    • Your child tells you when a bowel movement is coming.
    • Your child has longer periods of dryness or usually wakes up dry from a nap.
    • Your child prefers to be clean and dry.
    • Your child tries to pull pants up and down.
    Not every child shows all of these signs of readiness, but when your child shows some of them, you may want to begin toilet training.
     
  • Tips & Tricks
     And other useful information:
     
    • Decide what words you will use for going potty
    • Take your child to the bathroom after meals, upon waking, and periodically throughout the day.
    • Avoid using words such as "dirty" or "icky" to describe this natural function.
    • Wait to train your child when there aren't a lot of other things going on such as a new baby or an extended visit from grandparents.
    • Dress your child in clothes that are easy to pull up and down.
    Oops, Accidents Happen!
     
    Accidents during the learning process are common and should be treated in a matter of fact manner. Encourage your child to use the toilet to empty their bladder and support them by saying, "accidents happen. Next time we will hae to stop playing sooner to get to the bathroom on time." Anticipate some setbacks during illness or major life changes such as moving or the arrival of a new baby. 
  • My child is "fully" potty trained when they....
     
    Can anticipate the urge to use the toilet.
    Can initiate going into the bathroom on their own.
    Can get there on time.Can pull down their pants.
    Can use the toilet.Can wipe their bottom.
    Can pull up their pants.
    Can wash their hands. 
      
     
     
     
    Download our "Potty Song" HERE