Positive Child Behavior and Potty Training

Potty training can be a trying time for both the child and the parent. We all want to get our children out of expensive diapers as quickly as possible. Not only can they be nasty to change, they can kill your bank account and oftentimes, the child gets an uncomfortable diaper rash.

It’s important to recognize child behavior before making an attempt at potty training your child. Every child is different. You’ll need to know which of the child development stages your child is in before starting down the path to potty training. Your pediatrician or family practice doctor can help assess child behavior and explain each of the child development stages to you.
Child Behavior and Signs

Most children give their parents certain child behavior signs to let their parents know they are ready to start potty training. The best parenting advice is to watch for these child behavior signs so you will know exactly when your child is ready for potty training. However, there are a few children that never show any child behavior signs that they want to begin using the toilet.

Most parenting advice professionals believe the first child behavior sign that a child is developmentally ready for potty training is pulling at the diaper. This can also occur if the diaper is dirty or wet. You should begin to pay close attention to whether your child pulls at his diaper before or after he uses it.

Another child behavior sign that your child is ready for potty training is stopping to urinate or defecate. This shows that the child is recognizing the way his body feels when he needs to go. Stopping whatever he was doing to eliminate is a surefire child behavior sign that he is in one of the child development stages ideal for potty training.
The Perfect Potty

It’s really important to bring your child to the store with you when you go out to buy a potty for him. Let him help to select his own potty. By showing him that he is grown up enough to make the decision as to which potty he wants, you’re encouraging his independence.

Most child behavior professionals suggest having the potty separate from the toilet. This eliminates the fear of falling into the toilet for the child. Parenting advice experts believe that the main reason children are delayed in potty training is because the child is afraid he will be sucked into the toilet. This problem can be avoided by purchasing your child his own potty.
Parenting Advice for Potty Training

Once you have recognized the child behavior signs that show your child is ready for potty training; it’s time to start working. As soon as your child wakes up in the morning, bring him into the bathroom and sit him on the potty. You can run the tap if you’d like as the sound of running water often encourages urination.

Child behavior professionals suggest that you switch from classic diapers to a pull on style of training pants or simply child’s underpants. Every hour or so, you should bring your child to the bathroom to use the potty. When the child exhibits the desired child behavior, allow him to choose a small treat such as a cracker, cookie or small piece of fruit.
Take Your Time

Parenting advice experts always warn parents to exercise patience while potty training their children. No matter which of the child development stages your child is in, it is a rare occurrence that he will instantly catch on. Potty training will take time but with patience and small rewards, you’ll eliminate the need for expensive diapers.