During the summer I wrote a post on our potty training journey with Dexter.
As posts go it was a bit of a long one so I thought I’d do a sort of summary post for those that are looking for some quick tips.
Dexter managed to pick it up in just 3 days and has done brilliantly ever since. If you want to read the full post, you can find it here but if quick tips are more your thing, read on my friend…
1 – Lay the groundwork.
Potty training is one of those things that we as parents, will all have to cover. Help to manage your child’s expectations by preparing them for what, although it may be way off at the moment, is inevitable. Have a potty in the room that you spend most of your time in so that your child gets used to it being around. Take them to the toilet with you so they get used to being in there and see how bigger people do it.
2 – Make it exciting.
Take them shopping for knickers and pants. Let them choose some and make a big deal out of it. Get books to read about it too and find toilet training episodes of their favourite programs. We got a book I just happened to spot in the pound shop and he loved it.
3 – Positive reinforcement.
We had a bag full of individually wrapped treats which were anything from small toys to sweets and books etc. Every time Dexter went on the potty or toilet he was allowed to pick one from the bag. He loved it and had tremendous fun unwrapping each one
4 – Have a pantless day.
Although you’ve just gone out and bought new undies and made a big fuss about them, hold off using them for at least the first day. We found with Dexter, having to pull them up and down slowed him down and caused accidents as we couldn’t help him quick enough. Once they’ve got the hang of it, introduce pants only and then back to normal clothes after that. Removing obstacles makes a big difference.
5 – Stay positive.
Yes, there will be mess, it may be a slow process and there will be moments you feel like its going backwards but you will get there in the end. Kids pick up on things so easily so keep any negative feelings out of site and paste on that happy, proud face. If you need to, fake it till you make it
Do you have any tips to share? What was the best piece of potty training advice you ever got? I’d love to hear in the comments.
10 Comments
My boy isn’t quite ready for potty-training but I’ve bookmarked this post ready for when he is, it’s really handy thank you 🙂
Sounds like it went very smoothly for you… I’m already v nervous about it all! Xx
Don’t be nervous. If it takes a day, a week a year, it will still happen. Your nerves will show and make him nervous. Let him show you when he’s ready and he’ll pick it up in no time.Good luck!
Really helpful tips! We’re planning on doing the ‘knicker trip’ this weekend haha xx
Ohh exciting!! All the best with it
My little man isn’t ready yet, but I’m thinking of giving it a go in May just before he turns 2! I’m literally dreading it but I’ll definitely be revisiting your post for a refresher before charging full steam ahead!! x
Aww good luck when you come to do it
Thank you for some great tips! We’re nearing potty training with our little (I don’t think she’s quite ready yet) and I’m always wondering how others have approached this stage! #TheList x
You’re welcome. Wishing you luck!
Great advice.I found my son picked it up very quickly and loved getting stickers as a reward for using the potty.My daughter however took ages to use the toilet (refused the potty altogether) however she has just turned 3 and is almost dry every night as well.I am a nursery teacher though and my advice is to let them do it when they are ready.My 1 year old asks to go for a wee on the potty and toilet so I put her on them I know she isn’t ready to actually do it but I want her to get used to them.
Paisley, my middle child was definitely much trickier. Must be a girl thing haha. My one year old asks to go on the toilet too but freaks out when I put her on. but she can say wee wee so that’s a start