Post by reallifedad on Aug 4, 2012 3:23:45 GMT -5
If you have started to potty train with no success. I have some tips I'd like to share with you.
For us the hardest part of potty training was the commitment, It is extremely difficult for your child to understand what needs to be done if you do not keep on him or her to do what needs to be done (in the proper place) If you cant be 100% committed, your child will not be either. This means, car rides may have more stops, your trip to the mall will be frustrating or embarrassing, and you will need to carry a change or two of clothes EVERYWHERE!
Here are some tips which I have learned through trial and error.
1) Ditch the diapers, pull ups, and the like. The reason for this, although the pull ups are made for training your child, they share the same properties as diapers so your child (especially if stubborn) will not feel as uncomfortable as he or she would with underwear.
My result: My son decided within a few days he did not like to be wet or squishy.
2) When you use the potty, take your child even if they do not need to go. Now I know that as a parent, your bathroom time is sometime the only time to yourself.
Trust me on this, your child will pick up on the concept if they see you practicing what you preach.
My result: My son was trying to copy me, so a lot of the times he fought me to go into the restroom he ended up using the potty.
3) Distractions, We purchased a basic potty.
I feel this made it easier than a talking potty because it limited the play time in the restroom. I noticed that in public restrooms my son would be distracted by other people talking, farting, etc... the biggest distraction being the air blowers.
Result: My son learned to get in, do his business, and get out!
4) Positive re-enforcement. Each time my son would use the potty, especially the "solid" times. I would give him lots of atta boys and hi fives. Try to limit any candy or toy rewards as this will just make them expect something every time they do something they're supposed to do. Also if they soil themselves (which happens) make it known that it is not ok, and escort them to the potty. Of course, clean them up. making them sit in it as a punishment may result in rashes, and make clean up more frustrating than needed, it will also set you back in progress.
Result: My son quickly learned "if I go here, it makes daddy happy" It made for a lot more independent trips to the restroom.
5) Let them flush. I would dump the potty and clean it, my son would pull the flush lever.
My result: Trips to the potty became more interactive for my son.
6) Public restrooms. Okay! This is a tough one. With the distractions, and unfamiliar territory, your child will most likely become hesitant, or even not try to go. Again your results will come with more exposure. So take them with you even if they do not need to go. also carry some type of lysol or clorox wipes to clean the toilet, this made my son more comfortable. Be prepared for the comments from your child that may send you out red in the cheeks.
Result: My son will now gladly use a clean, public toilet due to his exposure and my embarrassment.
Overall result for me: We were trying to potty train our son for months, pull ups, alternate underwear= a complete failure and confusion for our son. After not buying diapers, and sucking up the cleaning duty that comes with his accidents. Exposing him to the concept of using the toilet and potty and re-enforcing his good times. Our results were achieved within a week of the new plan. He has been potty trained for a little over three weeks, Two of which have been completely accident free.
I apologize for the length of the posting, but I feel that some of you may be able to use this, and avoid the frustration and learning the hard way. Although this worked for me, Your mileage may vary.
Thank you for reading.
-RLD
For us the hardest part of potty training was the commitment, It is extremely difficult for your child to understand what needs to be done if you do not keep on him or her to do what needs to be done (in the proper place) If you cant be 100% committed, your child will not be either. This means, car rides may have more stops, your trip to the mall will be frustrating or embarrassing, and you will need to carry a change or two of clothes EVERYWHERE!
Here are some tips which I have learned through trial and error.
1) Ditch the diapers, pull ups, and the like. The reason for this, although the pull ups are made for training your child, they share the same properties as diapers so your child (especially if stubborn) will not feel as uncomfortable as he or she would with underwear.
My result: My son decided within a few days he did not like to be wet or squishy.
2) When you use the potty, take your child even if they do not need to go. Now I know that as a parent, your bathroom time is sometime the only time to yourself.
Trust me on this, your child will pick up on the concept if they see you practicing what you preach.
My result: My son was trying to copy me, so a lot of the times he fought me to go into the restroom he ended up using the potty.
3) Distractions, We purchased a basic potty.
I feel this made it easier than a talking potty because it limited the play time in the restroom. I noticed that in public restrooms my son would be distracted by other people talking, farting, etc... the biggest distraction being the air blowers.
Result: My son learned to get in, do his business, and get out!
4) Positive re-enforcement. Each time my son would use the potty, especially the "solid" times. I would give him lots of atta boys and hi fives. Try to limit any candy or toy rewards as this will just make them expect something every time they do something they're supposed to do. Also if they soil themselves (which happens) make it known that it is not ok, and escort them to the potty. Of course, clean them up. making them sit in it as a punishment may result in rashes, and make clean up more frustrating than needed, it will also set you back in progress.
Result: My son quickly learned "if I go here, it makes daddy happy" It made for a lot more independent trips to the restroom.
5) Let them flush. I would dump the potty and clean it, my son would pull the flush lever.
My result: Trips to the potty became more interactive for my son.
6) Public restrooms. Okay! This is a tough one. With the distractions, and unfamiliar territory, your child will most likely become hesitant, or even not try to go. Again your results will come with more exposure. So take them with you even if they do not need to go. also carry some type of lysol or clorox wipes to clean the toilet, this made my son more comfortable. Be prepared for the comments from your child that may send you out red in the cheeks.
Result: My son will now gladly use a clean, public toilet due to his exposure and my embarrassment.
Overall result for me: We were trying to potty train our son for months, pull ups, alternate underwear= a complete failure and confusion for our son. After not buying diapers, and sucking up the cleaning duty that comes with his accidents. Exposing him to the concept of using the toilet and potty and re-enforcing his good times. Our results were achieved within a week of the new plan. He has been potty trained for a little over three weeks, Two of which have been completely accident free.
I apologize for the length of the posting, but I feel that some of you may be able to use this, and avoid the frustration and learning the hard way. Although this worked for me, Your mileage may vary.
Thank you for reading.
-RLD
