Six mom-tested tips on toilet training.
- Wait until your child is ready. The experience is less frustrating for everyone.
- Don’t use “Pull-ups” or bulky training pants. The child treats them like diapers. Use regular underwear, covered by plastic pants if necessary so that your child learns about cause and effect.
- Find out what motivates your child: wearing fancy underwear, small candies, stickers, simple toys or treats. Save it for only when they stay dry, try to “go” or successfully use the potty. Gradually raise the stakes as the child succeeds.
- Stay home for 3 or 4 days in a row, offer plenty of drinks, and let your child “go bare.” Many parents raved about “baring the bottom” under a long T-shirt or dress. As soon as the child senses he has to go, he makes a bee-line to the potty. Of course, some suggest you stay outdoors (weather permitting) or on easy-to-clean surfaces inside.
- Use books and videos that help children understand the process. They recommended "Winston’s Potty Chair" (1991, video & book) and "It’s Potty Time" (1990, video by Duke University).
- Relax! Ask yourself: have I ever seen a kindergartner in diapers?