Steps To Successful Potty Training
Toilet training is one of the biggest obstacles that parents must overcome when raising their children. When our children come of age we are aware of the fact that it is time and we immediately go out to buy the toilet training tools we need and try to show our children exactly what they need to do.
Yet, it is far from simple because more often then not we are doing it the wrong way. There are a few steps that we must do before we even begin to sit them on the toilet and let them use it.
1. Buy the toilet training seat and let your child learn to sit on it for a couple weeks. Let them know that it belongs to them and that it is used to sit on.
2. Let them watch you. Children love to mimic and when they see you using the bathroom it will help them to know what to do and to have the desire to do it. Let your child come in with you and try to explain to them what you are doing. Also let them flush the toilet for you so that they understand where it goes and what happens.
3. While dressing and undressing your child try to teach them how to pull off their pants and how to put them on again. This makes toilet training a lot easier and when they have it down it will make the process of going to the bathroom easier for them. They won’t have to wait on you.
4. Make sure you have your child’s attention when you give an instruction. Immediately praise your child if he or she does what you ask. If your child does not follow your instruction right away, gently guide him or her through what should be done, and do not give another instruction until the first one has been followed. If your child starts to cry, ignore the crying. When your child has calmed down, repeat your instruction. If you often have trouble getting your child to follow your instructions, ask your health care provider for guidelines on managing your child’s behavior, or search the Boys Town Web site parenting.org for valuable help.
5. Praise your child. Every time your child does something the right way, be sure to let him or her know. Praise your child with words that are brief and to the point, such as “You did a good job pulling down your pants.” Or, give your child a smile, a hug, or a kiss. This attention is how you teach your child what behavior pleases you.