Potty Training can be Fun!
Most people think of potty training and immediately have nightmare images of struggling with strong willed toddlers who are determined to do things their own way, which does not necessarily mean using the potty. But it doesn't have to be this way. Instead by using a few creative strategies teaching your child to use the toilet can be fun!
Before you even get started you can get your child interested in using the potty with a variety of methods. With many books, videos and DVDs about toilet training you can gently encourage your child's interest without forcing the subject on them. If using the toilet is their idea the entire process becomes far easier and more fun.
When you child shows interest in learning, take him with you to the store to find the perfect potty or child-sized seat to learn with. There are a wide variety of potties and seats available from one with popular cartoon characters to potties that actually sing when the child makes a successful deposit. If you child is involved in the choice he will be far more likely to be interested in using the potty.
In addition to choosing a kid-friendly potty, let you child help choose some training pants that suit his interests. You can also pick up some “big kid” underwear to give him something to work towards.
So, now that you have the supplies, it is time to start the process. Some kids will enjoy teaching a doll how to use the toilet as a part of their own learning process. If you find an anatomically correct doll that wets itself you add another dimension of fun to the learning process. Corolle and Aquini both make excellent dolls of this variety.
If you add some blue food colouring or a blue toilet freshener to the water your child will love learning how to turn the water green. Another fun game for boys is to add floating targets, Cheerios work beautifully, and encourage your child to aim for the targets.
Once your child is making an effort to use the toilet, use reward strategies to encourage him to continue his good work. Sticker charts are a great incentive where a child earns stickers for successful toileting attempts. This can be enforced with larger prizes for accident free days and weeks. Another fun reward is to have your child's favorite Superhero, a friend or neighbour who is willing to act the part, call him to let him know what a good job he is doing.
For kids who tend to forget, try a reminder system such as a watch that goes off every half hour. If this is child-centered it encourages him to be more aware of when he needs to go. The VibraLite Toilet Training Watch is especially designed for the purpose.
By being creative and not being afraid to try new things toilet training can be a fun experience for everyone involved.