Creative Potty Training

When I was potty training my two young boys, I discovered this method of potty training that made it an enjoyable, yet very effective way to potty train toddlers.

First, make sure your child is ready for potty training, shows interest, wants "big kids pants" etc. If they show no signs of readiness, it may be best to let them mature a bit more.

Make this a game, make it fun and you will not run into stubborn opposition (after all it is the child's body). Go out and buy or find around the house items you don't normally let your child play with. Some examples might be toys that can be used in water (3 or 4 things), like little plastic pitchers, balls, tiny cups, whatever, but make them SPECIAL. The only real rule to this game is these special "potty" toys can only be played with while the child is sitting on the potty! This is very important; no breaking this one rule, or it won't work.

Once the child is sitting on the potty fill a large bowl or small bucket with lukewarm or tepid water, place the new "potty" toys in the bowl and set the bowl of water in front of the child. On the floor if the potty seat is low, or if it's a potty seat that sits on top of the regular toilet, set the bowl of water on a TV tray or something that provides a step, in front of the child. When the child places his/her hands in the lukewarm water to play with the toys, if the child needs to physically go, they nearly instantly go potty (it's almost an instinctive type of physical reaction), then cheer, cheer, cheer! Give lots of praise, and if you wish to give some type of a treat, go ahead.

Let them play as long as they want, as long as they sit on the potty. When they are done playing, put the toys away for next time. This is really great because it makes it fun for them so they cooperate, it totally ends all power struggles, and also no more waiting and waiting for them to go only to have them go potty as soon as the diaper goes back on. They also feel good because they have immediate success. Potty training no. 2 was more difficult I found, that just came with some time and patience and them learning in their own space and way, relax, it will happen.

Do you want to know how I get this idea? It's kind of a funny thing, my husband used to be in the military and when he was young in boot camp they used to always play jokes on each other in the night by dipping the hand of someone who was sleeping, into a pan of lukewarm water, thus making the person wet the bed. It just seemed like a natural progression to use this trick for good use in the potty training area and it worked great!

By Valerie Garner, mom and proud grandma, and owner of Joyful Designs in Soy (Candles) at: http://www.joyfuldesignsinsoy.com Valerie enjoys writing on a variety of topics in an engaging style.

In The News:


Babies can read emotions in faces
Times of India, India - 23 hours ago
You may be well aware that your baby recognizes your face, but a new study has revealed that the toddler can also recognize the way you smile or frown. ...
Babies 'can recognise' emotions in people's faces Expressindia.com
all 4 news articles

New York Times

Vitamin D Deficiency May Lurk in Babies
New York Times, United States - Aug 25, 2008
Although there is a debate about what levels are considered deficient, one toddler in the study was found to have rickets, 13 children showed evidence of ...

It's Labor Day Picnic time-- Welcome Home!
Clay County Democrat, AR - 14 hours ago
There also will be specific starting times for the boys' and girls' divisions of the toddler contest. Contestants, ages 2 through 4, should register with ...

Cute Infant Halloween Costumes for October 31st
Corsavoo.com, France - Aug 27, 2008
... but the classics and Halloween related costumes are also a favorite year after year. upholstery cleaning new york is a great time for toddlers, babies, ...

NW Arkansas today
Arkansas Democrat Gazette, AR - 8 hours ago
Rogers Public Library, 711 S. Dixieland Road: Toddler Story Time, 9: 30 am today; Babies ‘n’ Books, 10: 30 am today; Preschool Story Time, 10: 30 am today; ...

Hints to help your pet and baby live in harmony
The State Journal-Register, IL - Aug 26, 2008
“Mine” is a common toddler word, and in the future, you may be very glad that your dog thinks the word “mine” means “leave it.” * As your children get older ...

Toddler Time at Espanola Public Library
Midnorth Monitor, Canada - Aug 26, 2008
Registration for Babies Books & Tales will be held Tuesday, September 2 at 10 am for children under two years of age. The program runs from Thursday, ...

Docs tell 33st girl, 15, to lose weight..or die
Mirror.co.uk, UK - 15 hours ago
The Manchester toddler, who appeared in the TV documentary Britain's Biggest Babies, was also shown scoffing chocolate and crisps, all washed down with ...

As son prepares to leave, kisses get more precious
The Oregonian - OregonLive.com, OR - 15 hours ago
Our babies got raspberries on their tummies, warm benedictions on top of their soft heads, cascades of all-over kisses. As toddlers, they learned how far ...

Daily Mail

Kate Garraway: Would you let another woman breast-feed your baby?
Daily Mail, UK - Aug 26, 2008
Instinctively, Vanessa gathered the babies to her breast and started feeding them. Since she was still breastfeeding her own toddler, she was still ...
babies toddler - Google News

Four Problems and Solutions on Feeding Your Newborn

Parents always want to give their babies the very best.... Read More

Baby Showers To Remember

Every mother wants an enchanting baby shower for her new... Read More

For Mother and Baby ? What Do You Give? A Gift Basket of Course!

The choice for a baby or an infant gift can... Read More

Babys First Days at Home

The moment that you have waited for has finally arrived:... Read More

Keeping Baby Safe: Your Most Important Role As A Parent

Saying Thanks, But No Thanks to Used Safety EquipmentOnce your... Read More

How to Choose a Diaper Bag

Even though it's a popular shower gift, you may want... Read More

Why You Need to Teach Your Baby How To Swim

Many parents are discovering the art of teaching their baby... Read More

How to Buy a Baby Crib Online

A baby crib is one of the most expensive things... Read More

Babies Suffering For Colic

About one quarter of babies will suffer from colic from... Read More

Potty Training Techniques That Dont Work

Your attitude and actions have a huge impact on your... Read More

Important Safety and Styling Features of Baby Cribs

Baby Cribs are the feature item in any baby's nursery.... Read More

Stroller Facts And Tips

Did you know the first strollers appeared during the early... Read More

Baby Cribs - Safety Is Key

You have just learned that you are expecting a baby.... Read More

Baby Clothes - Daywear, Nightwear, And Special

When choosing and buying baby clothes, parents can be faced... Read More

Couples Baby Shower Honors Both Mom and Dad

If having a Couples Baby Shower seems odd to you,... Read More

Sweep Away Colic Baby Crying with White Noise

It doesn't make sense does it? You do everything possible... Read More

What to Look For When Choosing Baby Furniture

If you're a new parent, be aware that you baby... Read More

Creative Potty Training

When I was potty training my two young boys, I... Read More

Advantages Of A Sheepskin Underlay For Babies

Sheepskin offers unique advantages as an underlay for babies. One... Read More

Baby Room Decor Tips & Hints

When you plan for a baby room decor, the best... Read More

Welcome an Adopted Baby into the Family with an Adoption Baby Shower

The addition of a new child to a family is... Read More

Baby Shower Invitation Cards

Baby Shower Invitation Cards are a time saver for the... Read More

Potty Training Readiness Signals - Is Your Child Ready To Be Potty Trained?

So, you are thinking about potty training your toddler and... Read More

Selecting The Right Type of Stroller For Your Lifestyle

Having a baby is exciting, but also very tough! There... Read More

Finding the Right Baby Soap for Your Babys Skin

Baby SoapAren't all soap the same, especially baby soap? Do... Read More