Easy Potty Training

By Paul J James

Most parents dread potty training, especially because most of the advice they are getting about it is contradictory. The good news is, potty training does not have to be hard if parents follow a few simple steps.

A Team Effort

Before beginning potty training, parents need to agree the time is right. They also need to agree on the words to be used to discuss potty training with the child.

After the parents have made the decisions regarding methods and words to be used, be sure to inform other care givers who will need to help your child use the bathroom.

Show and Tell

Educating your child about her body and its functions is the first step in easy potty training. She needs to learn how her body works and what the feelings coming from her bladder and bowels mean.

This doesn't need to be highly scientific, keep your conversations with her at her level and use the words you've chosen for her training.

The next step is to let your child go to the bathroom with you. She's probably been doing this anyway, so use the time to explain to her that everyone goes potty.

Children are naturally curious, she'll ask plenty of questions, answer them plainly and simply. If your child hasn't been following you into the bathroom already, you may feel a little invaded at first.

It's important to relax so she gets the message that using the bathroom is a natural process and everyone does it.

Praise Praise Praise

Praise all her efforts and reward her successes. She will be eager to do it again. One of the best rewards are stickers she can put on a potty chart to celebrate times she used the potty or had a dry night.

All in all, your child is just as eager to be potty trained as you are. She's starting to see the difference between babies and big kids and wants to be one as quickly as possible (because they have all the fun!).

Let her learn at her own pace and your diaper days will soon be over. - 32531

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