by Anna Hodges

Created on: November 18, 2009

Potty Training Your Toddler

As the mother of three children and grandmother of eight grandchildren, I have learned a lot about what works and what does not when teaching toddlers to use the potty. In my experience, I have found girls to be a bit easier to train than boys. I have heard that girls develop faster, mentally, than boys and I wonder if that is a contributing factor. But, truth be told, no one really knows. Some moms believe that the opposite is true; therefore, I would suppose it depends on the person doing the training. Either way, these tips work for both girls and boys.

The most common-sense first step is being quick and consistent in changing their diapers while they are babies. This programs the brain to feel uncomfortable in soiled pants. Therefore, there is more of a desire to use the toilet when they are tots because they do not like the feel of it on their skin.

It is an absolute must to have a safe potty chair for them, or a ring that attaches firmly to the ring on the toilet. The problem with the ring on the toilet is that while they are small they will need a step-stool, or you will need to be there to place them on the toilet each time. The goal is to have them want to do this for themselves. The ring is safer when they are a little older. I found, while training my youngest grandson, that "Safety 1st" makes a great all-in-one potty chair that converts to a step-stool for washing hands after. It also includes a ring for the toilet as they grow, if needed. He was very excited that he could use the step-stool and turn the water on by himself (remembering to use cold water) and wash his own hands.

Look for the telltale body language that says "I need to go" i.e. coming to a sudden and complete stand-still with the hands quickly going to the crotch, the knees bending slightly, and the look of urgency on the face. Our first reaction is to ask "Do you need to go potty?" Do not do that. It insults their intelligence when it is so obvious that, yes, they do need to go, and more times than not, their response will be "No" and there will be an accident. Instead, take them by the hand saying something like, "Let's go use your potty" and lead the way. After a few times, all you will need to do is say, "Go use your potty" and they will go. After more time, you will not need to say anything.

When there are accidents, and there will be some, at first help them to change their pants and wash up. This includes letting them put their soiled pants into

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>