Creative Potty Training

When I was potty training my two young boys, Iwater to play with the toys, if the child needs to
discovered this method of potty training that made itphysically go, they nearly instantly go potty (it's almost
an enjoyable, yet very effective way to potty trainan instinctive type of physical reaction), then cheer,
toddlers.cheer, cheer! Give lots of praise, and if you wish to
First, make sure your child is ready for potty training,give some type of a treat, go ahead.
shows interest, wants "big kids pants" etc. If they showLet them play as long as they want, as long as they sit
no signs of readiness, it may be best to let themon the potty. When they are done playing, put the toys
mature a bit more.away for next time. This is really great because it
Make this a game, make it fun and you will not run intomakes it fun for them so they cooperate, it totally
stubborn opposition (after all it is the child's body). Goends all power struggles, and also no more waiting and
out and buy or find around the house items you don'twaiting for them to go only to have them go potty as
normally let your child play with. Some examples mightsoon as the diaper goes back on. They also feel good
be toys that can be used in water (3 or 4 things), likebecause they have immediate success. Potty training
little plastic pitchers, balls, tiny cups, whatever, but makeno. 2 was more difficult I found, that just came with
them SPECIAL. The only real rule to this game is thesesome time and patience and them learning in their own
special "potty" toys can only be played with while thespace and way, relax, it will happen.
child is sitting on the potty! This is very important; noDo you want to know how I get this idea? It's kind of a
breaking this one rule, or it won't work.funny thing, my husband used to be in the military and
Once the child is sitting on the potty fill a large bowl orwhen he was young in boot camp they used to
small bucket with lukewarm or tepid water, place thealways play jokes on each other in the night by dipping
new "potty" toys in the bowl and set the bowl ofthe hand of someone who was sleeping, into a pan of
water in front of the child. On the floor if the potty seatlukewarm water, thus making the person wet the bed.
is low, or if it's a potty seat that sits on top of theIt just seemed like a natural progression to use this
regular toilet, set the bowl of water on a TV tray ortrick for good use in the potty training area and it
something that provides a step, in front of the child.worked great!
When the child places his/her hands in the lukewarm