Introduction
There are many different signs that a parent can receive that helps them to realize when it is time to start potty training their child. Maybe your child tells you that they want to be allowed to wear big kid underwear or maybe your child doesn't like the feeling of having a dirty diaper and asks you to change them. Whatever your reasoning for wanting to potty train you may also be feeling a bit apprehensive about starting. This is perfectly normal. Potty training can be physically and emotionally draining for both child and parent even when both parties are eager to make the potty training process work.
Instructions
If you are wondering what the best way is to start potty training we have some suggested steps that you can follow. As every child is different and there are no set rules for how you should potty train your kids, the following steps should read more like guidelines that are meant to help you.
How to start potty training
1.The best and first thing that you can do once you decide that it is time to potty train is to talk about it with your child. Read books together, allow them to ask questions, allow your children to observe how it is done and otherwise set the stage for them to learn themselves. The more that you child understands before ever beginning to try sitting on the potty herself, the better off she will be.
2.Do not pressure your child into potty training. Of course you cannot keep putting off the inevitable, but you should not need to convince your child that they should be potty trained. Simply reinforce the desires that they already have.
3.Set everything up. There are toilet seat covers to buy (or smaller training toilets), big kid underwear, pull-ups, etc. Get things ready such as your reward system (using treats and food as a reward is strongly discouraged). Make sure that the smaller seat is secure. The last thing that you need is for your child to be afraid of falling into the toilet when they are using it.
4.Explain everything that you feel is appropriate. Little boys and girls will use the bathroom differently. Explain the differences between how boys and girls use the potty and encourage your child to ask you questions. Be straightforward with your answers. Explain why it is inappropriate for your child to dirty their big kid pants. Explain that when they drink a lot of water they get the feeling that they need to tinkle more quickly and with more strength.
5.When you begin placing your child on the toilet praise them for every little accomplishment. Tell them how well that they are doing even if it doesn't seem like very much. This doesn't mean acting unnatural, but simply acknowledging that your child is doing well at trying to do something that he has never done before. Continue to encourage your child to use the potty whenever you feel like it may be time to pass something.
6.Start small and build your way up. Start by taking your child into the bathroom to try using the toilet once a day at the same time every day. Create a schedule for your child so that they can get into the habit of using the bathroom regularly. Gradually increase the number of times your child visits the bathroom every day. Stay positive even during the many clean-up processes that you will have to endure.
Other tips
Experts suggest that a child can greatly benefit from observing or modeling other toilet users. If you are comfortable allowing your child to watch you or your spouse use the toilet this may be very helpful to your child.
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