Potty Training Best Practices

This is a helpful list of the best potty training practices, mostly in regards of what NOT to do while potty training.

Use the following list to do your potty training best!

Don’t Rely on Pull-Ups

Get your child out of the diaper and away from unneeded complacency. Modern diapers are so thick and absorbent, many children simply soak in the moist and warm sensation without nearly enough awareness.

When your child is in underwear, they know the second an accident occurs. This step is paramount.  If your child doesnʼt know better, you simply cannot expect them to do better. In the beginning, have your child eliminate prior to bedtime, with perhaps a pull-up only while sleeping. It is best to use parental discretion.

For example, while at a birthday party, you might want to put underwear on over a pull-up, but you should still explain things to your child. Tell them that you still expect them to remain dry, but you are putting on a pull-up “just in case.”

Potty Train best by eliminating the safety net.

Don’t Expect Too Much Too Soon

Potty training is a milestone in your childʼs life. Much like many of the other milestones they’ll face, it will probably not be reached in a single day, even though the results will last forever.

Remember when your child was first learning to walk?Of course you expected a few bumps and bruises. Potty training isn’t too different.

It is better for both your child and sanity if you do not enter the potty training experience with unreasonable expectations. The best potty training treats it like the process it is.

Don’t Nag

If thereʼs a sure road to getting your child to ignore you, it is through constant nagging.

If there’s a way to best potty train, it’s certainly without the nagging. We have all been a part of the nag/withdrawal cycle. Our toddlers aren’t any different, only smaller.

Rather than nag your child with commands such as, “Go to the bathroom,” you will likely see superior results by making suggestions such as, “Iʼm going to the bathroom now. Why donʼt we go together?” Donʼt ask a toddler if they need to go potty, as they will often say no. Tell them it is time.

Don’t Use the Changing Table

Some may disagree that this is best for potty training. Trust us, it is.

From the moment your child can stand on their own two feet, the changing table should be a memory. Standing upright during a diaper change encourages awareness and validates ability.

Once you are done changing your child, they can help you flush their excrement while you explain the procedure.

Reward – Don’t Overindulge

Overindulgence is an easy trap to fall in. In the beginning, you will probably feel so happy your child is using the potty, you might find yourself piling reward upon reward. Teaching your child basic responsibility, however, should not include a tax.

Use caution if you find yourself upon this slippery slope.

Don’t Lose Your Temper

It is best when potty training to always keep your tone in check and never raise your voice.

Slip away to another room and rant if need be, but keep in mind that potty training is a process and you should handle accidents in stride. Do not make your child sit in their waste for an undue length of time in order to teach them a lesson. This is humiliating and will only foster anger and resentment.

Best of luck with your best potty training!

Potty Training Power…AWAY!!!