Dictionary For Dads

The most important aspect of potty training is the parent's or caretaker's stability and ability to be consistent with the child. Dictionary for Dads suggests that you create a potty training plan and routine before you begin to Potty Train your child. Routines are repetitious behaviors that parents must engage in to teach Potty Training. The routines that we have listed on the bottom of this page work well for most children  The repetition may seem mundane but it will enable your child to learn Potty Training. Remember, it is up to the parent to be consistent and provide the structure and positive reinforcement for the child to learn Potty Training.

The first part of this process should be teaching your child how to identify and communicate when they may have to go to the bathroom. Be sure to communicate and reinforce to your child that it is always ok to let you know when they think they have to go to the bathroom. There is going to be some false alarms along the way but try not to react when it is not convenient for you. Negative parental reactions will send mixed messages to your child which will be counter-productive in them learning this Potty Training skill.
 
If you are in a stressful home, be aware that sometimes even babies do not want to rock the boat with their needs and will continue to use the diaper in order to not bring more stress to a situation. So be sure to provide your child with an environment that is stable, safe and conducive to your child learning this new Potty Training skill.
IS Your Child Ready To Be Potty Trained?
Children are usually ready to begin potty training between the ages of 18 months and 2 ½ years. Each child is different therefore look for signs your child is ready to be Potty Trained.

Signs that Children are ready to be Potty Trained:

• Can they communicate and understand the words yes, no, peewee and  poop (or other descriptive words)?
• Do they show interest in the bathroom or the potty?
• Are they capable of  following simple instructions?
• Do they have somewhat predictable bowel movements?
• Does your Child show verbal and non verbal sign when they are going to go in their diaper? 
• Do your child let you know verbally or non verbally that they are uncomfortable wearing a dirty diapers?
• can your child pull up/down their pants independently?.

If your child is showing at least three of the above signs it may be good time to start Potty Training. If your child is not showing the above signs Dictionary For Dads suggests you wait until four or more of these signs are present before you begin.


Potty Training Tools

• Potty chair
• Ten pairs of underwear 
• Good Supply of training pants, a new small collection of toys or play phone for the bathroom ** A box of small toys or a play telephone near the potty can be used to relax and reinforce your child when he is on the potty**.

Before You Begin To Potty Train

Potty training requires a lot of attention from the parent/caretaker. So plan accordingly the day you are going to start with Potty Training. Do not attempt this potty training task a day or two before you are going on a trip to grandma’s house, that would be setting the child up to fail.. Make sure you have the time to dedicate consistent attention to the goal of Potty Training your child before you begin.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement equals rewards which will encourage and motivate your child to learn the potty training skill.  Be prepared to provide lots of verbal reinforcement and excitement for achieving, attempting or reaching any part of the Potty Training Goal. That means when they identify the need, express it, make it to the bathroom, make it to pee, and make it to poop in the potty.

Each task should continue to be encouraged even when they fail to hit their mark. Tell them....That’s OK we will get it next time….

Start off with real small goals, and slowly make the goals a little more challenging for your child. The first two or three days are the most difficult for most parents. Remember, your consistency and patience through these days will be the determining factor on how your child takes to their new Potty Training skill. Achieving this task is a normal stage of development for children which will enable them to feel a boost in their confidence and independence.
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The Big Day

• Start the morning off right by taking your child to the bathroom as soon as he wakes up. Verbally tell them that this is an exciting day we are going to begin potty training. Take time to explain what exactly Potty Training is and what the goal is that you are committed to work on with them.
• Get a timer and every thirty minutes escort your child to the bathroom and remember to be patient and provide encouragement and reinforcement. 
• Use the play phone and box of toys mentioned above to reinforce and calm your child in the bathroom. Have them call grandma on their toy phone and let him/her tell grandma that they are big girls or boys now.
• On The second day dress your child in underwear and advise them that they are big girls or boys and do the same routine.
• Take them to the potty every half hour and provide encouragement and positive reinforcement.
• Remind them of how smart and wonderful they are when they communicate that they may have to go to the bathroom verbally and non verbally let them know how important and wonderful this is. This should be the top priority while they are learning how to Potty Train.

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Once your child begins the Potty Training process they should not be dressed in diapers anymore. In the daytime dress them in regular underwear and potty training pants for bedtime. When your child demonstrates that they can remain dry for 14-21 days throughout the night they can graduate to underwear at night as well.