1. Provide incentive. Most adults do not respond well to negative motivation, or rather punishments, but to positive incentive. So, provide your daughter with some incentive. Offer a reward for when potty training is completed. A trip to Disneyland, a puppy, a new outfit, a movie they want, a date with mom and dad, whatever the case may be. Just give them something to work for.
2. Help them get over their fear. Potty training can be scary. So, help them get over the fear by making it both familiar and comfortable. Talk about using the toilet, read books about it, watch movies that are about potty training, etc. Help them feel more at home in the situation, and not as scared, and they will be more willing.
It’s time for a big girl to go potty!
3. Naked days. Have a couple days a week where they do not wear any clothes, just a pull up or underwear, and the focus of the day is on potty training. They will learn to use the toilet with out the encumbrances of clothes they have to pull off before they go, and you can later work with them on timing. These are very effective, and the nakedness will serve as a reminder to them of what the day is about.
4. Make it fun. The whole experience of potty training should be exciting and fun, so do things to make it moreso. You can put a CD player or iPod in the bathroom with them so that they listen to music while going. You can put a basket of books by the potty for them to read while pooping. You can provide treats, set up potty charts with stickers and prizes, or have some sort of reward system in place so that it is fun and exciting.
5. Cheer them on. If they even pee or poop a little bit, you need to clap and say, “Yay (their name)” Make it a big deal. Call their other parent and tell them what happened. Take them out for ice cream, and all the while reinforce that the reason you are celebrating is that they went potty on the toilet. It will make them want to do it again.
6. Buy underwear. If your child has access to a supply of diapers, they won’t want to potty train. So, take them undies shopping and let her pick out some princess, or character underwear she loves. This will be so exciting it might just do the trick.
7. Don’t start too young. Too often little girls start potty training before they understand their body impulses, so they are unsuccessful and it is frustrating. So, wait until they know they have to go, and can alert you to the fact that they are dirty.
8. Be consistent. If you are potty training a little girl, be sure to be consistent. Take them to the bathroom every couple of hours, and have them sit until they go, even if it is just a little bit. If you are consistent they will catch on fast, and a routine will be established, making it easier on them and you.
9. Take them in when you go to the bathroom. Many little girls are visual learners. If you want them to use the toilet, have them watch you using it so that they see it is not something to be scared of.
10. Buy potty training tools. A potty chair, a ring that makes the toilet seat smaller, underwear or pull ups, all help make potty training easier.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to