With 61% of children between the ages of birth and
6 years in daycare, it's important that parents work closely with their child's
care provider while potty training. When you child is ready for potty training,
the right potty training guidance and supplies can make all the difference.
Be Sure Your Child Is Ready
– Before you begin potty training, make sure your child is ready. Your child
should show the following signs of potty training readiness:
· Expresses an interest in the potty
· Express the need to go potty (verbally or through body language)
· Able to dress and undress
· Uncomfortable in wet diapers
· Stays dry for two hours
· Imitates family members
· Interested in big kid underwear
· Has regular bowel movements
Introduce Potty Training - If your child is in daycare, he or she will
probably notice that there are other children around who wear cotton underwear
and use the potty. This kind of light peer pressure can motivate your child to
want to use the potty. Start introducing the idea by watching a potty training
book or video together. Be sure and tell your child's daycare provider that you
are beginning the potty training process. You child's daycare provider can help
by watching for signs of potty training readiness and answering questions from
your child.
Discuss the Plan - When you begin potty training your child, discuss your
plan with your child's daycare worker. He or she has probably potty trained many
children and may have some useful tips and tricks. Make sure your potty training
methods are similar.
Set Potty Training Rules - Work together to set some basic potty training
guidelines. For example, agree that your child will not be punished for
accidents and that you'll give stickers as rewards for using the potty. The
potty training process will be easier for your child if both you and the child
care worker are providing the same potty training guidance.
Progress Reports - Speak with the childcare provider often to exchange
progress reports. Both of you need to be aware of any successes or potential
problems. If the daycare worker tells you that your child used the potty earlier
that day, be sure and tell your child that that you heard about his or her
success and that you are proud of him or her.
by Danna Henderson
Copyright 2004 ZIP Baby. All Rights Reserved.
About The Author
Danna Henderson started ZIP Baby in order to provide parents with comprehensive
potty training information as well as a large selection of potty training
products. For more information about potty training, or to browse the potty
training store, visit the
Bedwetting Advice & Store
