What are Some Tips for Toilet Training?​

The following are tips from other parents offering strategies that have worked with their child. If you're like most parents, toilet training your toddler feels a lot like fighting an uphill battle. 
  • Your attitude and choice of words can make a big difference at this stage, when children are becoming very reactive to situations that feel like a power struggle. Instead of saying, "sit on the potty before we go to the library" (or some other activity that they like), try saying, "after you have gone to the potty, we'll go." Then relax and do something else to make it seem that you have all the time in the world to wait. Give her the message that she knows her body best and that she has a choice.
  • Let your child go naked around the house for a period of time during the day. Have a small potty-chair you can bring into the family room with him. Have him read, watch a video, or play on or near the potty. If you catch him urinating or defecating on the floor, be quick and get him onto the potty. 
  • Be sure to reward her for potty success. After she gets good at it, it is time to transition her to cotton training pants and a potty schedule that involves taking her for a potty try every 2 hours or so. No need to ask, just take her there, especially after a nap or meal.

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