Go Get 'Em - Potty Training Motivation
What do Spiderman underwear and gummy bears have to do with
potty training? Well, we tapped into a couple of things that
Andy (our two-year old) likes in order to motivate him about
toilet training.
First, he loves to put on Spiderman underwear (no, he hasn't
seen the movie, but our two older children have and they act it
out, so Andy knows who Spiderman is).
Second, he really loves gummy bears. If he knows he'll get a
gummy bear or two (number 1 and number 2, get it?) AND if he
keeps Spiderman dry, he knows he'll get to enjoy those gummy
bears. He's not mastered the life skill yet, but he's getting
better every day. Just the other day he went potty without even
being prompted. We walked past the bathroom and there he was on
the toilet.
My motto: "Do whatever it takes to help your child succeed at
potty training!" If it's a big chocolate bar they want, promise
it for the big splash they'll make when they first poop in the
toilet. Is it stickers they like, give them lots! Is it hugs and
kisses, hug and kiss them lots! Is it encouraging words? Make a
list of the words that mean the most and say them often. Our
older kids are the best at encouraging Andy in this way. They do
a better job than we do.
Tap into what motivates your child and give it a try. You may be
surprised at how quickly he or she learns and how fun it can be
too!