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The potty training experience can be stressful for both parents and child. Nothing can frustrate all involved more than frequent accidents and loss of interest. With a good attitude and a few small tips, you and your child can smooth the transition from little kid to big kid.
1. REWARD Nothing says good job like a small reward. Some parents choose to reward toddlers with small treats such as a single M & M after a successful trip to the potty. But candy isn't written in stone. It is a personal choice how you will reward your child.
Often times, small children are just as thrilled with a big hoopla. Do a special "potty dance" after they have succeeded. Dole out high fives, big hugs or sloppy wet kisses. Stickers work great too. Any incentive to remember to go the next time around will help your child change his or her thinking habits.
Don't forget to give them a "Good Job!" even if they are not successful the first few times. It may help them and encourage them to remember for the next time.
2. INVOLVE THEM Make your child a part of the process as much as possible. This means allowing them to help you when shopping for a potty. Let them pick it out and make a big deal out of the purchase. Anything that gets a parent so excited must be great! If the potty is a hand-me-down from an older sibling, it is still possible to include them. Let them help when washing it up and even let them pick out some favorite stickers to decorate it. This little step will really make it "their potty".
3. STRESS THE POTTY Keep a potty chair wherever your child spends the most time. If your child starts to have an accident, stress the potty by picking them up and taking them to the potty while the accident is happening. Do not scare the child by gasping and grabbing them. Simply say, "let's get this where it should be." Even if the accident is over by the time you get there, you are stressing to your child where they should go when they need to go potty. Just remember to keep plenty of towels and wipes handy.
4. POTTY ON THE GO When you head out with your child, carry a portable plastic potty seat insert. These fit into the adult toilet seats to allow a more comfortable trip to the potty for your child. While your at it, buy a nice tote bag too. This way you can make your child a helper by having them carry their potty seat to the car. A simple statement like, "can't forget your potty seat!" will reinforce that they should tell you if they have to go while out, and that they will have their own seat and be comfortable.
You can never stress openness enough during the potty training process. Before you go anywhere remind your child that all they need to do is tell you when they have to go. Make a big deal about how all the stores have different kinds of bathrooms. Their curiosity will often get the better of them.
5. PATIENCE Above all, try to avoid showing your frustration or anger. It is perfectly normal to feel these things during this event, but showing those emotions to your child could be detrimental. They could feel as if they are disappointing you and that could put them off of the whole experience. Fear of failure can discourage a young child from even attempting to learn something new. If you do get upset, go back and apologize. Tell them that accidents happen and reinforce the fact that practice makes perfect. After all, we were *all* once in their shoes.
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