Potty training is an individual thing

Potty training can take a long time, or a short time.  It can be easy, or really tough.  It all depends on a lot of different things.  While not all children are the same, and consequently the results may not be consistent, some tried and true methods can be employed in most situations with success. 

The important thing to remember is that all children, regardless of where they are on the timetable of toilet training, need encouragement and so do the parents.  Sometimes it is just a case of going back to basics in order to achieve the long-sought success of a potty-trained child.

Back to basics

Practice makes perfect.  And, that includes in the bathroom as well.  By taking your child to the bathroom frequently and putting him on the potty, you're building familiarity with the new process.  Several practice runs may be necessary before he scores by going in the toilet, but the fact that he's making the trip often helps to reinforce what the potty is there for.  If nothing happens when he's on the potty, tell him it's okay - we'll try again later.

By dressing the child in clothing that is easy to pull down or off, the wait-time between the urge to go and the actual event is lessened.  Also, he learns that it is something he can do himself.  If there are buttons, snaps, zippers and belts, then the process takes a lot longer and an accident is almost guaranteed.

Remember a toilet can be a big, overwhelming thing for a little child.  Use a seat adapter whenever possible.  If you don't have one, sitting the child on the seat sideways and allowing for a place to hold on to, or sitting the child backwards on the toilet are ways of making it less daunting.  Sometimes the sense of imbalance and the fear of falling can keep a little one from focusing on what he's there to do.  You'll want the toilet paper within easy reach too.

A child may feel a great deal of pressure if the parent is standing over them watching or urging them to go.  Take a book into the room with you and read a story aloud or sing some songs to take away the pressure.

Praise, not punishment

Praise your child for success, and this success includes a willingness on his part to just sit there for a few minutes and at least being willing to go.  Encouragement is also important and ten seconds on the toilet is progress even if there's nothing to show for it immediately.

Never punish for an accident.  Take the clean-up in stride and don't make him feel worse than he already does.  Children are generally anxious to please and can feel very ashamed if the parent reacts negatively to an accident.  Remember - he's in learning mode.  Little ones don't get it right every time.  As a matter of fact, we don't either.

And protection...

Always take your child to a public restroom yourself.  Never send him or her in by themselves.

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