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Mon, January, 5, 2009

Potty Training Tips

• Let your child practice sitting on the potty or the commode, with or without clothes, to help build familiarity with the new process.

• Be sure your child's clothing is easy to pull on and off.

• Avoid buttons, snaps and belts during potty training.

• Praise, praise, praise, whenever the child is willing to sit and try to go.

• Remember that sitting for more than 10 seconds is progress.

• Don't expect something to happen every time. If nothing happens, tell them ''That's OK, or ''Good try, we'll try again later.''

• Don't put too much pressure on them by just standing and watching. Be prepared to keep them company by reading aloud or singing a song to pass the time.

• Praise your child for every deposit in the potty chair, especially during early learning stages.

• Remember the toilet seat can seem awfully big to your child.

• An adapter seat and a step-stool can make it feel more secure. If you don't have an adapter seat, let them sit facing sideways or even backward for a more secure position.

• Keep toilet paper where little hands can reach it.

• Never, never, NEVER punish your child for an accident. Clean up in a matter-of-fact way, no matter how hard that may be to do.

• Remember, they're LEARNING. They won't get it right every time. A child anxious to please may agonize over what they think is shameful behavior because of your reaction.

• Always accompany your child into public restrooms.