Potty Training

Potty training isn't easy and sometimes it's not fun, but it is a necessary evil all parents face. Before I started potty training my kids I made sure to look up the best tips and procedures: what to get, how often to go. I asked around, I looked online, and now, even though my two and a half year old are still working on it, I have some more experience that I've fine tuned into my own recipe for potty training success. Don't be afraid! Just take it step by step. [:

Step One - Knowing when to start
The average age that children begin potty training is two and a half. However, readiness can come anywhere between eighteen months and three years so don't be discouraged if your two year old is still in diapers. The most important thing about beginning potty training is that you wait until the timing is right. You never want to introduce too many new things at once, it's easier to learn when you're not overwhelmed. So, if you've just moved, wait until he's adjusted to the new house. If you just had another child your toddler should get used to his new brother or sister before attempting.
Your toddler will tell you when he's ready, all you have to do is realize it. He will recognize when he's uses, or needs to use, the bathroom, maybe identifying it, "I have a poopy diaper." If he can walk on his own to the bathroom, if he's able to follow simple instructions, then he's probably ready for the big boy potty.
Do not discount yourself. You have to be ready, too. You'll need to be able to devote a lot of time to helping your child transition out of diapers and into underwear. When you feel you are both ready, it's time to start shopping.

Step Two - What to get
Personally, I started with the little potty with a lid and a removable bowl for easy disposal. We eventually moved to the potty seat that sits on top of your toilet, but I used the smaller version first so he could learn on something his own size. Let your child pick out the potty seat, they'll want to use it more and it will be more personally fitted. Being that I have boys, I chose a potty seat with a cup guard because with our minipotty, Riley would have to hold his penis down in order to pee in the potty. The pee guard kept my floors cleaner and Riley could pee freely. 

It is very important to get a step stool if you plan on using the big potty. Your child should be able to get on the potty himself, even if he doesn't. It'll make him more comfortable. I would also suggest investing in some flushable wet wipes for after using the potty. At this point, it will be easier on both of you to grab some pull ups or underwear too. Getting pull ups with your child's favorite character on it could prove helpful by bringing out the humanitarian in them, "You don't want to pee on Buzz Lightyear do you?"

Step Three - What to do

Introduce your child to the way the potty works, let him watch you go, show him how it works. Let him sit on it, pants on, just to get used to the feel. Once he's comfortable, go for it! Keep trying different things until you find a match. I originally used candy or a treat of some kind, now we have a sticker book. I've seen parents use a piggy bank, or just at good old fashion clean break. This part of potty training is entirely up to you and your child. Whatever works for you may be different than what works for someone else. Once you have it, establish a routine. Get on the potty every hour, or every two hours. Have him go when you do. When you begin potty training, you'll find a schedule best suited to you. The important thing is to stick to the routine, deviation can cause confusion and you'll end up having more set backs. 

No matter what method you choose, always remember to stay calm. TRUST ME, I understand the frustration when you asked him if he needed to use the potty and he said no but five minutes later it's time for a diaper change. Some parents think you should let your toddler sit in a dirty diaper so that they don't want to have them anymore, but the fact of the matter is your child has been sitting in his own crap for at least a year and a half. Change your child's diaper if he has an accident but encourage him to next time use the potty or tell mommy when he has to go.

There are four learning methods: positive reinforcement (he goes on the potty, you give him a treat), positive punishment (he goes in his diaper, you spank him), negative reinforcement (he goes on the potty, you let him skip his daily nap), and negative punishment (he goes in his diaper, you put him in time-out). This is typical B.F. Skinner general psych information. Choose one method, you need to be consistant.

Even though my two and a half year old isn't fully potty trained yet, he's well on his way and we have a good method of getting there. If you're having problems, have no fear. I don't know any teenagers still in diapers, you're bound to succeed eventually. Just take your time and remember to cherish the moment, you only get to raise them once.