Universally, the one thing every parent will dread is trying to help their toddler step onto the big kid potty seat and use it successfully. It is a big deal! It is a moment that separates the toddlers from the big kids. It allows your child to accomplish something huge and you to truly start to shape their big kid attitude. However, there is one important detail that you should never forget. Even if it is slightly difficult, you will want to take as much of the stress out of toilet training as you can. The easiest way to do this is to bring on the fun!
De-Stress the Situation
Often, toddlers will be a little afraid of the big kid toilet. Sometimes you can get a smaller potty for them and that will solve the problem. Other times, the fear may still linger. Let’s face it, you are asking them to strip off a diaper and sit on a hole. After wearing a diaper for 1-4 years of their young lives, you are changing the rules. You have to make sure they understand the reason behind it and that they are ready to give it a try.
From there, talk to them about how every big kid, mommy, and daddy use the potty. Once you get them on the toilet, encourage them to try to potty. It isn’t something that can happen quickly. Not all toddlers will be able to potty on command the first time they sit on their throne, but being a toddler also means they aren’t going to want to sit there for long. This is where the fun times come in.
Bring the Fun to Your Bathroom
Admittedly, bathrooms are not all fun and games, but when toilet training a young child, it needs to be. Bring books about potty time to distract them for a moment. You can sing a song and let them get up when the song ends. You can talk to them about their favorite things while reminding them that they are there to try and go to the bathroom.
If you feel confident that your child is ready for toilet training, there are many things you can do to make it an enjoyable experience. However, the first step will need to be that they understand what you are asking them to do. From there, the rest will come easy.
