With my youngest deciding that last week was the time she wanted to start using the potty, I feel now is a great opportunity for me to talk potty training. I always assumed that I would potty train no.3 in the summer where she could run around naked, just like I did with the older 2. However, this was not to be. We had the potty out and about all summer, but she showed zero signs of wanting to use it (other than putting it on her head to prance around pretending it was a hat). So, when she decided that the time had come at the beginning of October, just as the leggings and tights came out, I understandably had my concerns. However, the difference between no.3 and my older 2 is that SHE was ready, not me, and this has in fact made the whole process so much easier.
Below are some of my top tips for potty training your little one:
MAKE SURE YOUR TODDLE IS READY: This is so important! Try not to rush it as it could result in more accidents and frustration for everyone
CHOOSE A GOOD TIME: if your little one is showing all the signs, but you feel that it’s not the most ideal timing due to a holiday, new sibling, or house move, then maybe wait till there is plenty of time for you both to allow 100% focus. The more ready they are, the quicker they will ‘get it’
MAKE IT FUN: there are some brilliant books around which can prepare your little one for their potty training journey. I used the Princess Polly Potty book for all 3 girls which was fab and had a fun little button they pressed after each page (there is a boy version too called Pirate Pete Potty) and it was a huge hit!
LET THEM CHOOSE THEIR POTTY/PANTS: ensuring your little one is involved in the process can make it fun and exciting for them. We have a very boring ‘no frills’ potty upstairs which doesn’t see much action. The bright yellow bumblebee from @mycarrypotty on the other hand sees a lot! I can’t recommend these potty's enough!
LET YOUR TODDLER SET THE PACE: it’s ok to encourage them to sit on the potty if you can tell they need to go, but try not to make a big issue out of it if they say they don’t need to. It is almost easier to allow them to decide when they need to go
PANTS FREE/EASY CLOTHING: I’d highly recommend having the first couple of days in the house with no pants on, then progress to easy clothing for them to pull up and down. You may even choose to scrap pants altogether for a week or so an
d just have shorts/trousers on as it is one less item for them to pull down if they are in a rush.
CONSISTENCY AT HOME & CHILDCARE SETTING: if your little one is at a childcare setting during the day, make sure they are aware so that they can support them too. If your little one uses a specific potty at home, then allow them to take it to nursery with them
PRAISE AND ENCOURAGEMENT: what child doesn’t love praise and encouragement. Sticker charts are a great way for them to see their progress and is also a fun task for them
REMEMBER, don’t loose hope if potty training isn’t happening as seamlessly as you thought it would. All children develop at different rates and they will all eventually get the hang of potty training!
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