Home > Parenting & Pregnancy > Babies > Toddlers
Created on: June 29, 2009 Last Updated: June 30, 2009
The truth is there really aren't any tips that can be given that either make it easier nor make a difference at all when you get ready to potty train your child. I can give my thoughts on the matter and I can tell you things that have worked in my situation. But who's to say that any of these will work in your situation.
The fact of the matter is the real boss in this situation is not you, it is your child. Trying to get him or her to go on the potty before they are actually ready is going to put a halt to any tips or ideas that you pick up along the way. The best tip that anyone could ever give you is to be patient, just go along with your child and let them do what they need to do, when they need to do it. Once they start it will be easy.
In my opinion it's a lot easier to work with boys then it is for girls. For a boy you don't even need to invest in a potty chair, at least most people don't feel the need for one. Most boys will see their father using the bathroom and want to be just like him.
"He stands up while he goes, so why can't I" is what he will say. So using a step stool, have your son stand over the toilet while you throw a Cheerio in. Tell him to aim for it. Works like a charm, it's a fun game for him while he learns to pee like a big boy.
Your child will give you signs when they are ready to start. If she can tell you that she just went potty in her diaper then you know it's time. If you can tell when your child needs to go potty then grab them up and take them to the bathroom and see what they do. Your child will have to understand when she has to use the bathroom. She also has to have the desire to want to learn or it will not work.
If you have tried and are unsuccessful, then just step back and give it a short break. Go back a week or so later and give it another try. Once she is ready she will pick up on it right away and it won't take long before she will be out of diapers completely.
Potty training has to be exciting to your child in order for it to be successful. If he or she thinks that it's no fun, then they will lose interest fairly quickly and will not think about learning to use the big potty.
The best tip of all is to be patient, just sit back and let your child be the boss for once. He or she will lead the way and you will be impressed with how they handle it. And the end result will be very rewarding, with no more messy diapers to change, and lots of money save. Good luck with your potty training days.
Learn more about this author, Hill.Mandy.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:
Potty training tips: How to help your child feel comfortable with the potty
Potty Training: The Toddler Frontier
Potty training, like everything you teach your child, is about steps.
Toilet training the child with special needs takes time, patience and creativity. But as Helen F. Neville, B.S., R.N., a
Potty Training Without Tears
Can you think of anything that's harder than potty training your child?
I read books on the subject.
by Chloe Waters
The best way to make your child comfortable with the potty is to reward him/her for making in the potty, downplay accidents,
by Baby Gorg
Potty training . The first thing you have to remember is each child is different, just because your friends child is potty
View All Articles on: Potty training tips: How to help your child feel comfortable with the potty
Helium Debate
Cast your vote!
Are we really aware of our own children's emotional needs?
Click for your side.
Featured Partner
Universal Giving is a social entrepreneurship nonprofit whose vision is to create a world where giving and volunteering are a natural part of everyday life. Universal Giving's web-based service helps people give and volunteer with except...more