How to Potty Train Your Child
It's a milestone in your child's life...learning how to use the
potty. Many parents find both a joy and sorrow in this stage
that is a rite of passage for their child from being a baby to
being a big boy or girl. For parents trying to toilet train, it
can test your patience. However, using the potty is complex for
small children, so mom and dad shouldn't panic if baby doesn't
potty train right away. The best way to approach potty training
is to take it one step at a time and to be patient.
The first step is to get both you and your toddler ready.
Observe little one for the "about to go" signals such as
squatting, retreating to a quiet area or verbalization. Other
signals that show a parent a toddler is ready are: verbal
communication of things like hunger, child understands simple
sentences, doesn't like being soiled, stays dry longer. One way
you can help your baby from birth for this time is to change all
dirty diapers quickly. This way, they never have a chance to be
used to the soiled feeling. Once your sure your toddler is
ready, prepare yourself by getting the proper equipment. This
includes but is not limited to: potty training chair, training
pants, training diapers, other potty training aids. You must
also prepare to be patient...don't expect miracles overnight.
Once you're both ready, start by teaching the essentials. First,
teach them where to go. A good way to get your toddler involved
is to let him or her pick their own potty chair. This ensures
that they will be comfortable with potty training on the chair.
Next, you want to make sure you're teaching the correct
vocabulary. It's best to use words like "penis" and "vagina" to
prevent confusion in later life. However, it's okay to use words
like "pee-pee" and "poo-poo" rather than "urination" and
"defecation". The main challenge consists of teaching them the
connection between feeling the urge and going and after going,
telling mommy or daddy. You could do this by waiting for them to
show the telltale signs of eliminating and taking them straight
to the potty training chair. TV's "Dr. Phil" suggests
illustrating with a doll that uses the bathroom. Having this
visual aid can help a great deal. Once they begin to make
progress, move them from diapers to training pants. Above all,
be patient and relax. Some day you'll look back on this time and
miss it.