how to potty train

The fact is potty training does not have to be an unpleasant process for you or your toddler and it does not have to be a frustrating challenge!

Potty training really can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. If you follow a proven system which I will tell you about you can have your boy or girl potty trained without stress and within 1 to 3 days.

The timing of when to start the best potty training method is very important.

Before you commence potty training you will need to be sure that there are no issues or changes taking place which may interfere with your ability to potty train properly. These may include:

* The arrival of a new baby into the family
* Other siblings going through behavioural problems
* A change to the family routine
* Going away from home for example on holiday
* Moving to a new home
* Times when you are feeling stressed
* Sickness
* Lack of sleep
* Monitor your child's behavior. If your child is consistently and stubbornly resisting changing clothes, brushing teeth and eating food or throwing tantrums, then you may have a behavioral problem that needs to be addressed before you start potty training.

It may be as well in the above situations for the issue to be resolved or the family routine to be re-established before starting to potty train.

Items you will need when first considering how to potty train:-

* A sturdy potty or two and perhaps an insert and stepper for the toilet
* Lots of underpants, which are easy to pull up and down.
* A doll or teddy bear, for the modelling process
* A wall chart for monitoring progress and stickers as a reward for your toddler to stick on the chart.
* Small 'surprise' toys you know your child will enjoy to celebrate successes.
* Cleaning agents for accidents
* Small reward sweets as a last resort

At least 5 days prior to potty training, you should start familiarizing your child with the potty and getting them used to sitting on the potty. It is not the intention at this stage to catch pees and poos but if you do it is a bonus. You should get your toddler used to sitting on the potty, for 5 to 10 minutes. Try doing this three times during the day - either upon waking, prior to a bath, after lunch or dinner.

Show by example using the toilet how to use the potty. To encourage your toddler to sit on the potty, offer good words of encouragement - you can read them a book or play simple games while they are on the potty as an inducement! If this doesn't work you may as a last resort consider offering a sticker or a sweet as a reward for sitting on the potty. If your child is resisting, you should not ever force the issue. Simply try again later.

If by chance your child is successful in doing a pee or poo, make a BIG DEAL out of it!! Say for example "Wow Josh, you did a pee in the potty! That is great! You are a big boy now!! Your excitement and words of recognition for your child's achievement is probably the greatest motivator for your child, so use it often!