Advice History

It can't be stressed enough that every child learns at his or her own pace. So when everyone around you starts talking about how their child is potty trained or how easy it was to transition to underwear and you are still buying diapers by the truckload don't get discouraged. Your child will learn and will be successful at it -- in their own time. Consistency really helps with training. Start by having your child go on the potty in the morning when they wake up, after meals and before bed. Don't worry if they just sit on the toilet for a minute without going. Sooner or later that reflex will kick in and they will know they have to go and will let you know they need to go.

On the other hand, they call it "training" for a reason. We've all heard stories of babies being potty trained at 18 months, and while that may only work for a few children, many children can be potty trained at younger ages (1-2) with a bit of determination. One technique (admittedly messy and probably not suitable for cold-weather months) is to allow your child to be naked from the waist down for several days. They will be able to feel when they are wet (!) and put together the feeling of "needing to go" with actually going (diapers and pull-ups do not do this very well - and those "feel and learn" pull-ups can cause rashes if you're not paying attention and changing them promptly).

Watch your child closely. Most will have distinct body language when they need to go. Help them recognize the feeling and put them on the potty immediately, even if they've already started to relieve themselves in their pants. Making a game of it is also always helpful. Read books, sing funny songs, and encourage siblings to help out.

Parents vary in their opinions on "bribing" kids to go potty. Food or a treat is usually not the best option, but it often works. If you do go the "M&M" route, consider having siblings help out. Tell older siblings that the potty-trainee needs to go on the potty every 2 hours (or whatever you determine) and ask them to help you remember and encourage the child. When the child goes potty - ALL siblings get an M&M. This offers incentive for the whole family to help and also gives the child positive attention/reinforcement from older siblings, which can be powerful.