Tips for Potty Training

Oftentimes, children might be physically unable, or outright refuse, to use the potty.  Here are some tips on helping the child that wont go.

Just ask:  Sometimes, misconception or real fears stand in the way of successful toilet training.  You may try just asking your child why she /he won't use the toilet.  They might just be intimidated by the process and don't know how to proceed.

Turn on the faucet:  Some parents find it helpful in early training to try turning on the water faucet in the bathroom as a stimulus to urinate.  Hey, If it works for adults it will work for kids.

Try the Warm Water Trick:  Once the child is sitting on the potty, fill a large bowl or small bucket with lukewarm or tepid water.  Place some new potty toys in the bowl and set the bowl of water in front of the child.   When the child places his.her hands in the lukewarm water to play with the toys, they may nearly instantly go.

Place Targets in the toilet:  This tip works best for older boys.  Many parents put objects in the toilet so boys have something to aim for.  This challenge taps into their natural interest in hitting targets.  Inexpensive and biodegradable targets include Cheerios, Fruit Loops, and squares of toilet paper with drawn-on bulls-eyes.  Some Parents have been know to use glitter or sprinkles.  Or take some bubble bath and tell your little one to make bubbles.

Sing a song:  Singing a song for your child will help you pass the time and keep them interested in staying in the bathroom.  One parent who successfully trained her child created a potty song to make her son feel more comfortable in the bathroom.  It's sung to the tune of Twinkle. Twinkle, Little  Star.  It goes like this:  Tinkle, tinkle little pee, in the potty you Will be.  Poopy, poopy stinky-O in the potty you will go.

This was just a couple of tips for those of you who are potty training or think about it for things you can try.  I hope it helps.