Countries worldwide have different takes on when and how to Potty Train a child.  In this short word-blast I am approaching it from a typical 21^st Century USA slant.  When the season of Potty Training is upon you, remember to roll your shoulders often, breath deep, slow, and smile.  So, with this in mind, here are a few tips getting YOU ready to begin this adventure.

When to start?

Typically, a child begins to show interest in potty training between 18 months to 3 years of age.  No need to rush into this journey until you and your child are ready.

How long will Potty Training take?

      The process will depend on your child, the method you choose and your fortitude.

A few signs your child may be ready to begin Potty Training

• Diaper is dryer longer.
• Bowel movements are on a schedule.
• Tugging at their diaper.
• Crossing legs or holding genitals.
• Finding a “secret” place to squat.
• The child wants to mimic you or a peer on the toilet.

Potty Training Preparations

Decide what type of lingo you feel comfy using:

Do you prefer slang “poop” and “pee” or medical terms such as "defecate" and "urinate”.  Whatever you choose the results will be the same!  The same goes for the toilet reference.  There is a large selection to choose from.  Toilet, can, john, loo, potty, head, commode, honey bucket etc.

Gather a few basic items needed:

If you choose to go the direction of a separate potty chair or potty toilet, you will likely still need to transition your child to the regular toilet and require a potty seat and a stool.

• Potty seat for the toilet.
• Stool to assist climbing onto the potty seat and to assist reaching for water to wash.
• Incentives or rewards for a toilet deposit and or an attempted deposit.
  • Lil ADVENTS Potty Time ADVENTures support tool.
  • Mini Milestones Reward Charts
• Flushable wipes are really handy but not necessary.
• Pull-up type diapers are great but not necessary.

Have a preparation period: 

• Prepare your child with a few story time book readings for a week or so before you began. Reading over and over and over again.
• After each book reading give the child a tour of the bathroom and explain each item and how it is used.
• Give the child ownership in this adventure to create their anticipation.
• This is your potty chair!
• This is your stool!

Have your daily strategy in place:

There are a variety of methods, just take a web search, but I have found that a sure winner is simply to do the following:

• A simple potty deposit schedule to start the process.
• Girl or boy start the undertaking on the toilet seat.
• Keep the toilet visit short!
• Positive reinforcement before and after each visit.
• Wash hands at every finish regardless of deposit.
• An incentive or reward for a toilet deposit or an attempted deposit makes for a happy child.

Wishing you many successful deposits!

-Mindy