Potty Training

Oh the joys of potty training!!  We had a special request from a frustrated mommy, who's little boy is refusing to be potty trained.  She is at her wits end.  So hopefully I can give her a few tips to help the little munchkin.... we would love to hear what worked for you too!! (or didn't work:)

Potty Training Targets

Instead of drenching your walls or the floor, your little buddy gets target practice!  Just put a target in the toilet and let him at it!  These are made of rice paper so they dissolve, so there's no messy cleanup!  $10 for a package of 50.  Momsonedge.com.

I read that sometimes kids get the potty thing down quite easily, but the poop thing is another story.  They think something is wrong because they think that the doodie is a part of them so it's hard for them to watch it go down the john.  Put them to ease by reading them Where's the Poop? by Julie Marks

Here are some signs that show your child is ready to be potty trained:

1.  No BM's through the night

2.  Dry diaper for long periods of time, i.e. from long naps and/or in the morning

3.  Your child can undress him/herself

4.  Is able to imitate behavior

5.  Child's desire for parental approval

6.  Desire to master one's own body and environment- manifested by "I can do it" or Im a big boy/girl now

How to Start

Once you feel your child is ready to begin potty training, the first step is to purchase a potty chair.  A potty chair is smaller than the toilet and helps the child to feel more secure.  

Have your child sit on the potty during times she is most likely to urinate or have a bowel movement, such as in the morning, before and after naps or after mealtimes.  Reading a book, talking or singing songs will encourage your child to sit on the chair longer.  Avoid trying to force your child to sit for long periods of time or against her will.  

Don't be surprised if, after sitting on the potty without result, your child stands up and begins to urinate.  This is often perceived as stubbornness.  The fact is, your child may not have mastered the skill of relaxing his bladder muscles.  If this happens frequently, it may be a sign that he is not ready.

Training Pants

When your child begins to successfully use the potty, you may want to consider purchasing training pants for daytime use.  Disposable training pants are convenient for outings, but cotton training pants will allow your child to be more aware of when they are urinating, encouraging them to use the potty instead.  Plastic diaper covers will help protect your home from accidents.

Nighttime

Some children simultaneously learn to stay dry during the day and at night.  For others, it can take several months, even a few years (?!!)  Allowing your child to wear a diaper at night until she begins to consistently wake up dry will prevent feelings of shame and failure. 

Regression

A new baby, changes in routine, a family crisis or putting too much pressure on your child can cause him to regress in the potty department.  Avoid making your child feel bad during this time and encourage him to keep trying. 

Relax

Every child's body is different.  Some catch on quickly, while others take much longer to recognize the signals their body is sending them.  Lavish praise on your child when she is successful and reassurance when she has an accident.

Avoid comparing your child's potty training progress to that of another child's.  Mastering teh use of the toilet is not an indication of a child's intelligence.  It is dependent on their physical, physiological and emotional maturity.  Have patience and eventually, your child will be a "big" boy or girl. 

A cute idea I saw that might help with little boys is to have a "Daddy Does It" weekend.  The dad covered all the couches and chairs in plastic, and bought manly-man underwear-- just like Dad's.  They spent the weekend in T-shirts and underwear and made a game of going to the bathroom every hour, to see who could go.  He said there were very few accidents and blocking one whole weekend made it easy!

Here are some manly man underwear for the little guy

And for her....

$12.50 Gap Kids 

Hang in there!

Don't forget to submit your Make your mom famous Mother's Day email by Friday!

Information source: pottytrainingconcepts.com

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