Potty Tips

Being ready to use the potty can be an exciting yet challenging time in your child's life. There is no set age to learn how to use the toilet, but children are usually ready between 18 to 36 months. Be attuned to your child's cues so that you can be aware of when it is appropriate for him or her to begin. Observe if he can now follow simple instructions, help undress himself, or give verbal or facial cues that he needs to use the toilet. Remember that your child must also be emotionally ready so it's important to be patient and encouraging. If she keeps resisting, give her more time and continue to stay positive and reassuring as you help her through this process.

Here are some fun and helpful tips for you to help your child transition from diapers to the potty:

My very own potty! If possible, take your child to the store with you to choose and purchase the potty together. When you get home, introduce your child to his very own potty, making sure he feels comfortable with it. Help him personalize it by decorating the lid with his name, stickers, or colored markers. Point to and label the various parts of the potty, such as the seat and the flusher, and show your child how the potty works. Also, have your child sit on the potty a few times with his pants on to assure him that he will not fall in. To make him feel even more comfortable during this time, you can read him a book about using the potty.

Uh-oh, gotta go! Help your child listen to her body and recognize the feeling she gets right before she has to go to the bathroom. Whenever she gets that feeling, emphasize that she should stop doing whatever she is doing and say, "Uh-oh, gotta go!" To comfort and ease the pressure when your child is waiting on the potty, you could place a basket of her favorite books or toys next to the potty. You may want to have a specific book that you and your child only read when using the potty. You can also sing fun songs with her such as the theme song of Elmo's World! Remember that accidents will happen and that's okay. Praise your child for even the small accomplishments, such as recognizing the feeling that she has to go.

Wipe, flush, and wash! Keep a potty routine as your child is getting started. Help him learn and follow the steps of using the potty. Remind him that after going pee pee or poo poo, he must wipe with a little bit of toilet paper. Then he must flush. At first, he can help you press the flusher down; over time, encourage him to press the flusher on his own. Finally, after using or even touching the potty, make sure you remind him to wash his hands with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds or as long as it takes to sing the ABC song.

Keep trying! Never scold or punish your child while she is learning to use her potty. All children have accidents, so remember to stay patient and use gentle reminders to encourage success. Help your child regain confidence by saying, "That's okay: Next time, you'll remember to use your potty!" The most important thing is for your child to feel proud of herself and keep trying.

Great job! Cheerfully praise your child not only for succeeding but also for trying! Continue to reward him with hugs and encouraging words. After a couple of successful tries, you can even get him excited and motivated by going to buy big kid underpants. Let your child know you support him as he learns. Have your child keep track of his own progress! He can use reward stickers to decorate a blank notebook or a poster chart. Keep this near the potty. Each time he successfully goes, he can place a sticker in his notebook or chart! When you feel that your child has learned to use the potty on his own, present him with a reward certificate and let him know just how proud you, Elmo, and his Sesame Street friends are of his big accomplishment!