An important milestone in your child's development is potty training, also referred to as toilet training. It is a time when your little baby becomes a big girl or big boy, and they are one step further in their independence. If you are prepared and research tips, facts, and methods on potty training the experience can be less daunting and stressful for you and your child. You should have all your supplies before you start in on the process and teaching, and encourage your child to shop with your for the supplies you need. Here are some potty training tips and list of supplies that you will find helpful as you begin your journey towards potty training.
Although most parents don't want to spoil their children too much, candy and rewards during the process is very necessary. Also, don't feel too guilty when you bribe your child with new toys or candy when they use their potty chairs or toilets. Going to the bathroom is a good thing, but you should also teach your child that they won't get a special treat every time they use the adult bathroom. Candy and toy rewards should be small, and for example you can give one piece of small candy not an entire bag. Giving small rewards and keeping an encouraging attitude will make your child want to be potty trained and they will feel good about themselves too.
Being prepared is the most important tip. You should prepare for the worst and expect the best during potty training. There are going to be accidents because that is an inevitable part of this process. Things you will include diapers, pull up diapers, diaper ointment, underwear, and some type of children's potty training seat or toilet. You can buy potty chairs or attachments that go on top of your toilet. Some parents like to use a potty chair and then focus potty training using the regular toilet.
You shouldn't throw out any diapers that you have because you may need to put diapers on your child at night. You should focus on teaching your child the feeling they have when they need to go to the bathroom during the day. A lot of kids are heavy sleepers, so you will still need them to wear diapers at night during the first part of the process. Your child can still get diaper rashes from wearing them at night, so you will still need to use diaper ointment so that rash doesn't get out of control. You should use pull up diapers or underwear during the day.
As a parent, you will need to practice patience with your child. Potty training can take a lot of time because it is so new for a child. They have to learn where to go the bathroom, how to undress themselves, how to tell their parents when they need to go, and how to control the muscles that control when they go to the bathroom. You will have to teach them how to feel when they need to go and to hold it in until they are properly situated on their potty chair or toilet. There will be accidents and clean ups on a daily basis. Remember to be patient with your child and not to scold them for having an accident. Keep the tone and mood positive and encourage your child often.
Melanie Nader is the founder of the Homestead Company which makes premium quality natural skin care products including eczema oil and diaper ointment made with the finest 100% natural ingredients. For more information, visit http://www.homesteadcompany.com.
