Effective Potty Training Tips for your Toddler
You may be one of the many parents frustrated because your three and a half year old still isn’t potty trained. He may not seem to have any interest in getting rid of his diapers whatsoever. Don’t worry – I guarantee that he’ll be potty trained by his wedding! Seriously though, for most every toddler, potty training is a problem that seems insurmountable now, but in no time at all it will be resolved.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says there is no set age when toilet training should start. They suggest that the right time depends on a child’s psychological and physical development. Children between 18 and 24 months often start showing signs of being ready, but there are some children who may not be ready until 30 months or older. The American Academy of Pediatrics also advises parents that if their child resists strongly, they will be better off waiting for a while.
In the case of a head-strong 3 1/2 year old, there are some things you can try. For starters, go to Target, or wherever you and he generally shop together. Take him to the underwear aisle and tell him that he is a big boy now, and big boys are very lucky because they get to wear big boy underwear. He is especially lucky because you brought him to Target where they have lots of underwear to choose from. He can pick whatever he wants….Power Rangers, Batman, Bob the Builder, SpongeBob, etc.
When you get home, let him try on his new big boy underwear. Explain that if he can stay dry for an entire hour, he can wear them all day. Encourage him to use the potty first, to help him stay dry for the full hour. At the end of that hour, remind him to use the toilet again, and try for another hour. Each time check to be sure he is still dry and remind him to let you know if he has to go to the bathroom.
Create a sticker chart and each time he successfully uses the toilet, place a sticker on the chart. When he reaches ten stickers, give him a special treat, such as a trip to the ice cream parlor, a small toy, a lunch at a restaurant, etc.
If he can’t make the first hour, try to understand his state of mind. Why do you think he didn’t make it? Was he engrossed in a TV show or game? Is he just really not interested, even with the new cool underwear? If it’s the former and he really wants to try again, let him. Make the time frame a half hour this time and remind him at that point to try to use the potty. If he just really isn’t ready, don’t push it. Tell him that you’ll wash the underwear and put it in his drawer, and you’ll try again next week.
It is likely that some of his friends are already trained. Encourage a play date where he’ll see a friend use the toilet. That alone might be enough to spark his interest in trying again. By 3 ½ years old, when he decides he’s finally ready, he will likely catch on quickly. He probably does not have a bladder control issue, it’s just that he needs the control to decide for himself when he’s ready.
If your climate is warm, take advantage of it as a great time to train, because you can be outdoors where it’s easier to clean up accidents. Potty training takes time and effort but you have to persevere.
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