The document provides guidance for parents on potty training their children. It discusses signs that a child is ready for potty training, such as being able to follow instructions, staying dry for over 2 hours, and showing interest in using the toilet. It emphasizes that potty training takes time and patience, and parents should praise successes and avoid punishments for accidents. Rewards like stickers can be used to motivate children during the process.

1. Potty Training A Guide for Parents

2. First things first: Potty training is something that every parent must go through. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary. It’s new to the child In the following slideshow you will see helpful hints and some ideas for success. Let’s Begin!

3. Where Should A Parent Begin? Observe your child’s behavior. If you look closely enough, your child is likely to give you tell-tale signs to suggest he/she is ready to begin using the potty. Remember that all children do not develop at the same rate. There are many questions you can ask as you observe your child. If you answer “yes” to a few of the questions, your child may be ready to potty train! The questions are posted on the next slide.

4. Is My Child Ready? Can he/she follow simple verbal instructions? Is he/she staying dry for 2 or more hours at a time? After nap time? Is he/she uncomfortable in the soiled diaper and demands to be changed right away? Is he/she asking to wear regular underwear? Having regular bowel movements? Is he/she making verbal or facial cues to indicate he/she needs to use the bathroom.

5. “ No” If you’ve answered “no” to most of these questions, you’re child may not yet be ready to potty train. Do not be alarmed , some children are not ready until they are about 3 years of age. Continue to talk to your child about using the potty, and maybe even read books to them to get them ready. They will let you know when they are ready.

6. What should I do if my child isn’t ready? Continue reading books to your child about toilet training. Many are available at the public library or the child section of the local book store. Talk to your child about the importance of using the bathroom. Encourage bathroom use by role modeling. Avoid negative words such as “smelly”.

7. Possible reasons my child isn’t ready… Children are very sensitive to situations in their lives. If a big change has been made in the child’s life, he or she may not be comfortable enough to start potty training. These things include; recent relocating, tragic events, death in the family, new baby on the way, or in the family.

8. What Should I do? If your child has experienced any of these things, continue to work with your child. Depending on the situation, make the child as comfortable and secure as possible. If there is a new baby in the family, allow the child of potty training age to know he or she is just as important as ever! Let him/her know they are safe and loved.

9. Yes, My Child is Ready! Hooray!! Your child seems to be ready to potty train. This is sometimes a long process for children and patience is necessary. Provide your child with a potty seat and regular underwear/pullups. Always praise your child for using the potty. Make pottying fun.

10. Picking Out the Seat When your child shows signs of being ready, figure out which potty seat best works for your child. Many different seats are available, and the comfort of your child is important for his or her success. Allow the child to make the seat his or her own! Decorating, unwrapping, and/or placing it in the bathroom may make the child very excited about using his/her very own potty seat.

11. Rewards, Not Punishments Do not criticize your child for accidents. This is a learning process for him/her. Make a chart and allow the child to place stickers on the chart after they’ve used the bathroom. After they have completed a row, give them a reward!

12. I’m Frustrated!! Often, potty training is a frustrating thing for parents. It’s okay to get frustrated, but remember it’s NEW for your child. If it’s just not working, your child may not be ready for it, take a step back and allow it to happen naturally. Keep encouraging! It’s okay to share your frustrations with other parents, talking about it helps.

13. Special Thanks to these Sources: (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2009, from www.pullups.com/na/pullups-bigkids-startingout-gettingstarted.aspx?phaase= (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2009, from www.keepkidshealthy.com/parenting_tips/pottytraining/index.html (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2009, from www.pottytrainingstuff.com/tip.htm (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2009, from www.bedwetting.com.au/images/toilet-sh.gif