Having to break out of your comfort zone (aka the usual diaper) is a huge change for a kid… Potty training might seem like a really hard task not only for toddlers, but also for parents and caregivers. But take a deep breath; you’re not alone!
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Choose the right time.
In general, children aren’t ready until they’ve reached their second birthday. However, every kid is different. If you start potty-training before the child is ready, you’re both going to become frustrated! Like all things with young kids, be flexible.
*extra tip: Avoid potty training during transitional or stressful times. If you’re taking family holidays, moving into a new house, or having a new baby in the family, then it’s not the perfect time for new potty experiences!
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Buy a potty.
This may seem like a simple task, but when a Google search for a potty leads to thousands of options, things are difficult!
*extra tip: Choose a large potty that will be lightweight (yes, that means it should be easily portable).
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Tell a story.
Introduce the child to the idea of potty training. Buy a good story to help your little one get used to the concepts and words associated with it.
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Play (and teach)!
Have your little one teach his/her teddy bear how to use the potty. The idea is to make the child comfortable with the overall concept. Acting out potty scenes with stuffed animals can help toddlers develop a sense of mastery over this new thing.
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Make it fun.
Decorate the potty together. You can write the child’s name on it, or adorn it with colorful stickers.
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Make sure you’ve bought the rights clothes.
Dress your child in clothes that are easy to take off. Jeans are not recommended! Easy-to-remove trousers without buttons or dresses increase the likelihood of success.
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Ask and then ask again!
Show the child how it’s done and then encourage him/her to visit the potty regularly throughout the day; first thing in the morning when he/she wakes up, after meal times, before bath time and again before bed is a good schedule. Bear in mind that staying dry while sleeping will be harder for your little one.
*extra tip: Before going out of the house, always ensure that the child has the opportunity to use the potty.
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Inform… everyone!
Share what you’re doing and how you’re doing it with the other people in the child’s life. When parents, nannies and babysitters follow the same tactics, things are easier since you manage potty training with the same consistent approach.
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Get ready for… accidents!
Well, unfortunately, that’s the messy truth of potty training: accidents will certainly happen!
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Don’t forget the reward.
Praise the child for each step. Some families prefer the all-time classic sticker charts, while others promise toys or visits to amusement parks. If your little one has a sweet tooth, candy rewards may be really useful!
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Wash away the germs!
Teach the child how to clean his/her hands correctly. Encourage your little one to rub his/her fingers together with soap and then run them under water.
*extra tip: You can buy sparkly soap as an incentive!
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Be calm.
Don’t stress yourself out with how quickly someone else’s child was potty trained. It will all come together in time. Some children regress and that’s totally OK. All kids do things at their own pace, so don’t worry!
Trust Nannuka to find background checked babysitters and nannies who will stand by your side to support you and your toddler during this demanding transition period…
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