Potty training...where Do I Start???

Just start introducing her to the toilet. My children used a child's toilet seat that was secured on top of the existing toilet seat. I never wanted to clean more toilets than I had to-and they actually liked going on it. For some kids, I understand that the "big toilet" can be intimidating. Just watch for the signs and adapt to a smaller one, if necessary.

After all meals, all beverages, in the morning, before bedtime, etc... just encourage her to try. Rewards are good (one - m&m or sticker for trying; two for actually going!) Make going potty fun! Make a fuss - whoop and holler when she goes! Read a book to her on the potty (sometimes she will say she doesn't have to go - just let her sit for a few minutes or even run water), play guitar or music, sing a song or make up a funny song when she actually goes. However, be sensitive to the fact that your daughter's needs may change and she may want to be in the bathroom, alone (my "ah-ha" moment was when my daughter was 2 1/2 and decided to do it herself! She didn't want me in the bathroom.) She may be on a path that seems like she "gets it" and then, has a set-back. Just keep the experience positive and understand sometimes, when they are young, they really aren't mature enough to "make the connection" immediately. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't try to be consistent in introducing her to the toilet. Doesn't matter if you work, full-time. Once you see that she has made great progress, you will get others involved in the process. Don't worry about her "success" - just start introducing her and take it from there. Don't overanalyze it. She will have set-backs and it won't have anything to do with the training that you have given her.

Good luck to you.

Hello J G:

For potty training, it is a very carefully figured out plan that a child needs.

You do this because of two reasons.
1. Potty training is your child's first complex activity, that involves, so much remembering repeating learning and feeling and recognizing the feel of go wee wee or poo poo.
Needs undivided attention so it is less stress for the parents and the child.

2. Since you do work full time, I have a feeling your daughter goes to the child care provider or commercial day care, child naturally has a stressful day. you have to do this when you can give your daughter plenty of attention and with a plan.

First check several signs of her readiness, then plan step by step learning. Talk to your daughter about this a few times. After she has grasped the concept in few family discussions, take care providers opinion, if she is ready to pitch in to help her with potty training, take a week end entirely for potty training. Three day are even better. These three days, in a very warm happy atmosphere are enough to learn the day time potty training. Now you have to practice for few weeks, to make it a habit for her.

If your planning was good ( for this read some books, if you need I can send you a free book), follow the next step, that is night time training. It is not too hard after you daughter is all trained for the day.

If you have planned every step of training, accidents, use of underwear, first day going potty after every half an hour. Making it easy for the child to go in the big potty or her own potty whatever she likes, getting her a stool to sit, or a soft seat over if she needs. Making sure of all positives, happiness and good rewards Potty charts.
You will be able to do it in few weeks and with no problem.

We all are here to share at mamasource, so go ahead be ready and get out of potty training with flying colors.

I used this info from babycenter to train my now 2 year old.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_potty-training-in-three-days-...
Although we've had a few accidents here and there, we've been diaper free for months now. It was a long three to five days, but so successful. My sister also did this with her daughter (who we thought showed no interest) and has had great success. My advice if you choose to use this strategy, go all out, and make sure you have help the first day. I found it hard with one attached to me and another on the potty. It would also be helpful to have multiple potty seats around the house like they mention. It is fabulous only changing one set of diapers- you will be so relieved if you can make it happen! Plus it saves tons of money! Good luck!

Hi! It sounds like she may be ready to start. We would put a little potty in the living room and sit our kids on it. I bought a DVD (cartoon about a little boy/girl going potty). I would put that on while they sat on their potty. Then I would move their potty in the bathroom after a while so they would get the idea about going potty in the bathroom. I was home with my kids so I didn't have to deal with them being potty trained while at a daycare. Maybe talk to the director/teachers to see how they helped out with this with other kids. Good luck!
A.
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