5 Tips for Potty Training!

For Emily, potty training started about a week ago. So far, it's been....fun. There have been a lot of successes, and a few...not so successful moments. But every day it seems easier! 

Here are 5 tips that will come in handy when your child is ready for potty training!

Model Behaviour-  Children learn best by copying the people around them. Take them into the bathroom with you so they can see how it's done! Talk them through it so they can connect the action to the words you're saying (ex. tell them you're flushing the toilet, when you flush the toilet, so they know what you mean). By nature, children want to do what they see their parents doing. You'll be surprised at how quick they catch on!

Be Patient- Patience is key. The first time Emily used the potty successfully, she sat on it for a good ten minutes before anything happened. But after asking her a few times if she needed to pee, she did it. Then we celebrated!

Celebrate the Successes!-  Even the little ones! Get your children excited about the process! We clap, bump fists, high five....then if we feel so inclined, there's the super fun potty dance! :)

Positive Reinforcement- Refrain from scolding/punishing your little one's not so successful potty moments. There are bound to be a few accidents along the way. It's all a part of the learning process. Scolding is discouraging and usually leads to children not liking potty time. Instead, use positive reinforcement to reward good behaviour. Rewarding the good potty achievements will help children connect the good feeling that comes along with good behaviours. A great example would be to keep a potty chart on the wall and every time your LO successfully uses the potty let him/her put a sticker on the chart. Over time the need for the chart will dissipate and your child will most likely be dragging you to the bathroom when it's time to go.

Develop a Routine- Children strive on routine. It's important to establish a pattern, and be consistent so they know what to expect and when. We have tried to keep to a routine of 7 or 8 tries a day. Once when Emily first wakes up, after breakfast, before lunch, after lunch/before nap, after nap, after dinner, before bed and before we leave the apartment for any outings. 

Of course, every family, and every child is different, so find what works for you! I hope at least one of these tips is helpful for when potty training time comes in your family! Just remember that potty training can be fun......even when there is poop on the floor!!

Have you and your little one already tackled potty training? Leave me your best tip for us first time moms in the comments! :)