Reinforce Potty Training Habits

Congrats, potty coaches! We're at the midway point of the Potty Training Boot Camp, and your little potty trainee might just be starting to go, go, go. But before we move on to bigger, better and yes, stinkier things (yes, poop training is coming!), let's spend some time reviewing and reinforcing what we've learned. After all, toddlers learn new things by doing them over and over, again and again. (How else to explain 37 choruses of the ABC song?) So right now, it's time to make the potty a way of life.

Here's what to do:

• Get into a groove. By now, you should be getting a good routine going. Wake up in the morning? Let's sit on the potty! Just finished lunch? Let's go to the potty! Just get up from a nap? (You get the picture.) The more familiar you are with your child's potty schedule, the easier this potty dance will get.
  
  
• Make potty conversation. Talk about the potty whenever possible. Just be matter-of-fact in the way you talk about the potty: Announce when you have to go. When you let the dog out, explain that it's because he has to go potty. Mention the cousin who's a big boy now because he's potty trained. Not a big deal, potty's just a part of everyday life.
  
  
• Reward every success. Nothing motivates a toddler like positive reinforcement (i.e., TREATS!). So keep up your reward system, and celebrate every milestone. Even two droplets is something!
  
  
• Continue potty modeling. Starting to feel like America's Next Pot Model? Good! Keep it up! The more your child sees you using the potty, the more she's going to want to do just what YOU do.
  
  
• Redo everything. Reread your potty books, rewatch your potty DVDs together and go to The Potty Project and watch how other toddlers and their parents experience potty training together.
  
  
• Put on your game face. Yes, potty training can be tedious. But consistency is key! Even if you think you've gone over the potty routine ad nauseum and have talked potty till you're blue in the face, don't give up!

Remember: When it comes to potty training, repetition and consistency are key. So talk, live and BREATHE potty, and your potty trainee will catch on quick! (Just don't breathe too deeply when someone's made a big stinky poop!)

Bottoms up!

Sharing time: Did you review, review, review? How's your little potty trainee doing? Share your answers in the comments below!

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