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Get Toilet Training DVDs/Books Go to the library with your aspiring toilet user and check out every DVD and picture book regarding the topic. The idea behind this is to create some exciting anticipation along with learning some actual training tips. You might also find it entertaining as well; some of the DVDs could be an SNL skit.
Ditch ALL the Diapers This is probably one of the most difficult tasks and yet the most important one. You need to get rid of all the diapers in your house, even the overnight ones. If you use diapers occasionally, which is tempting to do for a long car ride or other similar situation, it will confuse your child and create bad habits because it’s easier to just go in a diaper than hold it and find a bathroom. The more chances your child has to use the toilet the more it will become a habit. At first, I allowed my twins to still wear overnight diapers. I noticed every morning my son would have a full diaper. I didn’t think he would ever be trained during the night. One day, I put waterproof bedding underneath him and he wore underwear. Guess what happened? He didn’t wet the bed; instead he got up and used the toilet. It was easier for him to just use the diaper so I was allowing him to create bad habits.
Make it Fun If you don’t want to toilet train them, they won’t want to do it. If you make it a fun event, it will encourage them to try and keep trying. On the potty training DVDs from the library, you will find a lot of the shows have songs. Start singing the songs with them before and while they are in the bathroom. Also let them drink lemonade, juice or drinks you might not normally allow—which will also create a fun atmosphere.
Protect Their Future
Be Prepared One of the most difficult aspects of toilet training is leaving the house, since often you will not have much warning before they tell you they need to go. First, I always asked if they needed to use the bathroom before we left the house. Then I packed at least two changes of clothes along with some wipes and trash bags, in case they had an accident. I ended up purchasing a small portable toilet for the car, which was helpful for long car rides or when visiting places without a public restroom, like a playground.
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Be Patient You child is going to have accidents. It is part of the learning process. The more patient you are about this process, the easier it will be for both you and your child. At times you might think your child is fully trained since they will go without an accident for weeks, and then they will have one. This is normal. Often young children are so involved with their play that they may not realize they need to use the bathroom or they might not plan enough time to get there. Don’t worry, there will come a time when they are fully trained... it just might take a little while. ESP
Ruth McKee
30941 Mill Ln. Suite E Daphne, AL 36527-5457
(251) 625-6585
rmckee@alfains.com Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, Upworthy, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessing and Your Teen Magazine. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.
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