Top Potty Training Tips for New Parents

The more opportunities your child has to learn about what is involved in using a potty before any “potty training” begins, the less daunting the prospect of making the transition will seem when the time comes.

Here are some of the best potty training tips to make the process less stressful:

Stay away from power struggles

It is about cooperation and not coercion. If your child shows resistance, going back and trying again later can help prevent problems and avoid frustration.

never use force

Some good potty training tips include staying calm and collected. Forcing your child to sit on the potty will lead to resentment or outright refusal.

Encourage, don’t restrict

Potty time should be fun! Encourage a willingness to cooperate by reading stories, playing games, and generally making it a place they like to be.

Praise, don’t scold

Avoid responding negatively to accidents. Scolding can lead to deliberate withholding of bodily functions, which will delay training and can be detrimental to health. Instead, use praise to positively reinforce what they do well.

Use a chair to go to the bathroom

Using a potty instead of a toilet can increase confidence by providing more stability. Keeping your feet on the ground also provides leverage that can aid muscle control during bowel movements.

Provide plenty of fluids

Potty training is naturally going to be easier when the urge to go is frequent! Staying well hydrated also helps prevent constipation, which could lead to unpleasant discomfort.

discouragement tension

Never rush or pressure your child to forcefully “push” the potty, as this can lead to bladder and bowel disorders. If your child is prone to straining, seek medical advice from your pediatrician.

Make potty time “normal”

Encourage routine potty use so that it becomes a part of normal daily life. When your child develops the habit of going to the bathroom at routine intervals, they are less likely to “forget” it until it’s too late.

Help your child clean up

Even when your child can go to the bathroom independently, they will still need help to clean themselves until they are at least 45 months old. Improper cleanliness increases the potential for urinary tract infections, especially in girls, which are unhealthy and also not conducive to a happy and comfortable toileting experience.

preparation is key

Whichever potty training method you choose, planning ahead and preparing for training is essential to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Once you’ve decided which method is best for your child and you’re both ready to try it, make sure you have everything ready before you start.

Decide who will do the “training” – Consistency is key in all approaches, so make sure you are clear about the process and that all adults involved are “on the same page”. If more than one adult will be responsible for the training on a day-to-day basis, clear communication will be extremely important to avoid the possibility of mixed messages and confusion that could delay the training.

Potty games and activities

Having a supply of “potty time” games and activities ready will make sitting on the potty something to look forward to instead of something to avoid.

Treats and rewards

Positive reinforcement in the form of treats and prizes is a great motivator for your child. Decide on a reward system before you start, and have a supply of everything you need so your child can learn early on which behaviors bring the best results!

Differentiate between wet and dry

Make a point of emphasizing the positive sensations associated with being dry versus the uncomfortable sensations of being wet. Make the distinction clear and draw your child’s attention to the difference to help him make the connection between his actions and the consequences.

All children are different and a method that worked for one child is not guaranteed to work for the next. Be prepared for setbacks and try to keep things in perspective. One of the best potty training tips is to keep a sense of humor and a positive attitude. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again!