If you feel your toddler is ready for potty training, take a gradual approach to help them adjust. Some signs of readiness are if your toddler shows interest in using the toilet, wants to try to use the toilet, or pointing and asking questions about it. Check out our post about potty training readiness, this is a crucial first phase of potty training, so make sure your toddler is showing some of these signs before jumping in.
There are a few different approaches to helping your toddler with this milestone. I myself ended up using a combination of these methods. I took some tips from the Parent-Led method at first, to start showing my toddlers what I do. Then I moved on to some tips from Child-Oriented method to let them try some of the steps on their own. The 3-day method was always my favorite way of incorporating the learned steps into a solid routine.
Let’s go over the specifics of the different methods.
Child-Oriented Potty Training
The child-oriented method is exactly how it sounds. Follow these steps for child-oriented method, a method supported by pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton and the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Wait for Signs of Readiness: Recognize when your child shows signs of readiness.
- Start Small: Begin with short periods on the potty, gradually increasing over time.
- Introduce Concepts: Teach flushing and handwashing.
- Be Consistent: Maintain a consistent schedule for potty breaks.
- Praise Success: Encourage your child by praising correct potty use.
- Patience is Key: Remember that patience is crucial in the potty training process.
3-Day Potty Training
The 3-day method is a great way to establish a routine.
- Choose a Dedicated Weekend: Set aside a weekend for focused potty training.
- Communicate with Your Child: Explain the potty training plan to your child.
- Frequent Potty Breaks: Place your child on the potty regularly to establish a routine.
- Reward Success: Praise and reward your child when they successfully use the potty.
- Transition to Underwear: Shift to underwear or training pants during the weekend.
- Continue the Schedule: Maintain the schedule until your child consistently stays dry.
After daytime success, transition to nighttime potty training with gradual steps.
Parent-Led Potty Training
Consider the parent-led method:
- Teach Basics Early: Introduce toilet basics such as sitting, standing, and using toilet paper.
- Model Behavior: Bring your child with you to the bathroom and demonstrate toilet use.
- Practice Together: Help your child practice using the toilet, emphasizing independence.
- Encourage Independence: Support your child in using the toilet on their own, offering praise for success.
- Be Patient: Recognize that each child is unique; patience is key to success.
Remember, parent-led method requires patience, and success may vary for each child. Stay consistent, and your child will eventually grasp the concept of using the toilet independently.
