by Samantha Elliott

Created on: September 28, 2010   Last Updated: September 29, 2010

The beginning of potty training for any parent should be an exciting and welcome adventure. Your hands have changed thousands of diapers, and you’ve seen and smelled messes that would send non-parents running in terror. While the next year or so ahead will have its own ick-factor moments, it will also be a wonderfully fulfilling time in your child’s quest for independence.  

It is absolutely critical that your child is ready for the training, so do not go by your little one’s age or your own desire. Some children can start at one-and-a-half, while others ease into it around age three. Keep in mind that it is not a race or a contest between you and the other mothers at the playground, despite many haughty, know-it-all attitudes you may encounter. On the other hand, do give your tot a little nudge as soon as he/she starts showing signs of willingness. These indicators include holding his urine for longer amounts of time, having the occasionally dry overnight diaper, and running off into a corner to go potty.

Your first step toward Pamper-freedom is to take your little one shopping. Let him/her pick out some cheerful-looking underwear with a favorite character on them. They are mostly symbolic: immediately successful potty training exists only in the land of make-believe (although your child can wear the new undies now and then over his training pants). Next, pick out the potty seat together. For easiest clean up, the little seat insert that fits on your toilet seat is a breeze. Be sure to pair it with a step stool so your child can not only get up by himself, but also rest his feet on it while using the bathroom. Now is the time to stock up on a generous amount of pull-up pants. Stick to a higher quality if they are affordable enough, because many of the store brand types tend to leak when up against the long overnight hours. Again, let your child choose items that are fun and colorful so he will be eager to use them.

Toddlers pee quite often, so try and put your child on the potty every three hours or so if he is happy enough to allow it. The best times for success would be about 15 minutes to a half hour after a meal or drink, before and after nap time and bedtime, and before you leave the house. Get into a daily routine-the more predictable, the better for everyone’s sanity. To encourage your tot to give in to these frequent trips to the restroom, you will need to be creative. Reserve some special toys that are only brought out during potty time. Let him listen to music that is made for children so he can sing silly songs. Belt out the “I’m a big kid now” jingle together. Marvel at whatever is dispensed into the toilet, as squeamish as you may be. Have a chart and stickers on hand so your little one can feel like a super star.

Your ultra-positive attitude will be crucial during the trying days ahead. Know that there will be accidents, and usually at the least convenient places and times. There will be relapses, and days when you throw up your hands and scream “Forget it!” in your head. No matter what you are feeling inside, don’t let your impatience show. Be animated, be goofy, and keep the compliments and enthusiastic cheers free flowing. You may find your son or daughter will excel at going number two in the bathroom, but pees his/her pants with a frequency that drives you batty. What do you do? Ignore it, and remind yourself that this too shall pass. Believe it or not, these moments of frustration will fade into yet another warm and fuzzy memory of the sheer joy that is parenthood.

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