Our Potty Training Update + Some Tips for Success!
Hi Everyone,
It's been quite some time since I have posted, but I am so happy to be back today to share some potty training tips with you mommies!
My son (who turns 3 in a few weeks) is nearly completely potty trained!! Watch my update on our progress HERE!
Along the way, I've done some reflection that has led me to this list of tips that you mommies might find useful.
1. Every child is ready at a different time. If your child is not ready mentally, then no matter how hard you try they will not go. Trying to force the matter will only make everyone frustrated and may even traumatize your child. We kept the pressure off in regards to potty training and I feel that this worked best for our family.
2. Consider trying a child-size potty like this one. I didn't want to try this at first, because the thought of cleaning poop out of it really freaked me out! Ultimately, getting one was the best decision for us. Eilan was always so excited to go and sit on it. Furthermore, the kind that we purchased was the one that looks exactly like the adult potty (complete with a battery-operated flusher)lol. He was only allowed to flush when he actually used the potty!
3. Which leads me to my next point...INCENTIVES! Flushing the potty was one incentive that was very effective for us. It's also all we needed to use. Feel free to incorporate whatever incentive works best for your child. In addition, we used lots of positive language and encouragement!
4. The potty was never too far! In the event of an accident there would not be that much to clean up! Which leads me to my next point...
5. Go diaper-less! Removing the diaper during scheduled potty times removes the comfort and dependence on it and pushes them to have to make a decision. "Do I go peepee on myself or do I try that thing called the potty over there?"lol
6. Lastly, talk about it! We would always encourage Eilan to watch us use the bathroom and we talked about it all the time. These conversations helped to prep his mind for the moment!
When all of these things were put into place and coupled with his mental readiness, it was like a light bulb moment! We followed up his first time with lots of encouragement, which for my son, led him to want to do it again!
I hope these tips were helpful! Do you have a funny potty training experience? Share your potty training stories down below!