Training a child to use the toilet properly is a process that strikes fear in the hearts of most parents. As potty training looms, questions arise about how to go about the training, how to reward the proper use of the toilet, how to know when a child is ready to be potty trained and what is a realistic timetable for potty training. Books are a wonderful resource for parents to gain insight and information on the topic of potty training. Likewise, potty training books geared toward children help them understand and embrace the concept.
For parents, books on the subject of potty training are seemingly endless. From every viewpoint and opinion to scientific studies and polls, potty training gets a lot of press. Find and read several books in order to gain a comprehensive look at methods and practice. Have a wider base of knowledge by consulting several sources instead of just one. After gathering information, make a plan about how to practically implement it with the individual child. In doing so, the child will have a potty training plan that suits their needs and development.
A great resource to consult for parents is On Becoming Pottywise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam. It takes a developmental readiness approach to potty training. The authors delineate readiness cues from the child to help the parent identify when to begin the training process. It also addresses the crucial role that time management plays in mastery of the potty and the use of props to help children make the connection about when and how to use the potty.
Just as parents gain valuable insight by the reading of books, children thrive when presented with pertinent information geared toward them. Pirate Potty by Samantha Berger or Once Upon A Potty by Alona Frankel are great options to read aloud to children who are exhibiting readiness signs. While Pirate Potty is gender neutral, Once Upon A Potty is available in two gender-appropriate copies. Both books present potty training as a fun, exciting experience. They show and explain what to do so that a child’s fears about using the toilet are minimized.
Potty training can be an anxiety-ridden and stress-filled time in the life of a parent or child, but with the help of books, it can be greatly minimized or eliminated altogether. By taking control and gaining insight through outside resources, parents equip themselves to train their children to the best of their ability.
Is your child ready to be potty trained? If you have the proper potty tools to train your child, potty training becomes easier. Like anything else you set out to do, knowing is half the battle. So let’s get prepared to potty train our children with the right potty products.
Young children are sometimes afraid of the unknown; and a big toilet is an unknown to a small child. With the proper size toilet, the child is not as afraid of things such as falling into the toilet or the loud noise of the flush. Most little children will not want to use the big toilets, but if they have one their size they will feel good about it. Others might be ok with the big toilets, and all you will need is a special seat to go onto the big toilet to make it the correct size for a little one; as well as a step stool for them to get on the big toilet with the special seat. Whichever works best for your child is the most appropriate one for potty training. A potty chair is available in all styles. Some even play music when your child uses them. Some can be used as a step stool for later use. Some are especially made for little boys with floating markers for them to aim at to encourage them to use the toilet. A potty toilet for children is supposed to help train them to use the big toilet.
Some other good tools to help in potty training are videos or books. There are numerous books and videos your child can watch to encourage the use of the potty. With visual aids children have a tendency to learn more and faster. The visual aids teach them what to do and when to do it as well as encourage them to go to the potty.
The proper clothes for potty training are also an essential part of being successful. They will need training pants. These are extra-thick cloth or disposables that pull on like underwear. They will feel more ready to potty train with the proper underwear. They can come in their favorite characters to help encourage them to go potty.
Having the proper potty products will ensure a successful and less stressful training time for you and your child. Knowing and preparing for potty training is half the battle.
Potty training your little girl can seem confusing, and many parents struggle with questions and concerns. Everyone wants to make sure they get it right, but as long as you are diligent in your training, then your little princess will be an expert in using the potty in no time! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions involving potty training and the little girls who are ready for the potty!
Q. Is it okay to put her back in diapers at night?
A. Generally speaking, switching from diapers and back to training pants or undies can be very confusing for a child in potty training. It is best to avoid these types of situations if at all possible. A better option may be restricting fluid intake before bedtime, having the child use the potty immediately before bed, and placing a small potty chair in her bedroom with her. Cover the mattress with a plastic cover, because at first there will be accidents! She will soon learn how to make it through the night without bedwetting though! If bedwetting becomes a persistent problem, it is possible that she simply isn’t ready for training yet.
Q. Should I punish my daughter for wetting her pants or for continually having accidents?
A. Absolutely not! A child should never be punished for bed wetting or accidents. Accidents will happen during potty training, it is inevitable. The best and most successful practices involve rewarding the child when they use the potty correctly on their own. Also, keep in mind that feeling and understanding they need to go bathroom right now is a new concept for those just coming out of diapers. Remind them often to go potty, and ask frequently if they need to go.
Q. My daughter uses the potty very well, but is having a hard time with the wiping. What can I do to help her with this?
A. Sometimes it is hard for a toddler to wipe as thoroughly as may be necessary. This is not uncommon among children, and is something that you will probably have to help with for a while longer! The best tip I can offer is to provide your child with disposable wet wipes. They clean more efficiently and more quickly than standard toilet paper does, which seems to work well for small children. You can even find flushable kinds, so they are easily disposed of the same as toilet paper is.
