Potty Training Boys and Girls - It's Not What You Thought

Potty Training Boys and Girls

A major accomplishment for a little one has to be potty mastery! Not only are they happier, but so are the mom's and dad's. Potty training is not an exact science - some learn earlier, others take a little longer. Here are some tips to help get your toddler potty trained quickly and effortlessly.

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Potty Training Tips: is My Child Ready?

Toddler Potty Training Tips 

"I'll go when I am good and ready"

Awareness is one of the biggest issues when potty training your toddler. They have to make the connection between their body's urges and using the potty. They may feel a sudden change but not put two and two together yet - and that's when they have accidents. Be patient with your child, it is not the end of the world if your next door neighbor tells you her daughter, 3 months younger, is already potty trained. Toddlers all have their own time, and that's okay.

Forcing a toddler to potty train is a mistake.

It's okay to have an accident right now. If you overreact to a potty accident showing anger, upset or frustration, your child will undoubtly continue to have them. Reassure them they will do better the next time. To "practice" for the real event, take them to the potty and go through the process - have them sit for a few minutes. Continue these short trips another 6-10 times and allow them to "go through the motions". With the habit in place, it will be much easier for them to remember the steps to take.

Celebrate each success

As your toddler completes each successful trip to the potty it is a great idea to reward them. For your toddler that might mean a special treat, special toy or even cool stickers. You have to be their cheerleader during this time and provide positive reinforcement. Make sure that your rewards are just for successful trips - if you reinforce anything less, you are looking at a longer process.

Whether you have a boy or girl, there will be challenges. Boys and girls learn differently, and take different lengths of time to potty train. When there are so many more moments to cherish with your little one, why wait and be bogged down with potty training? For your little girls, I suggest you visit Potty Training Girls. For your boy, great information is available at Potty Training Boys.