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SELECT AN ARTICLE FROM BELOW:
Dr. Dobson: Use Rewards for Potty Training
Potty Training -- No More Battles for Control
ParentingPlus Magazine - February 2006
Potty Training Your Child with Praise & Rewards
Positive Potty Training Using Rewards
Signs that Your Toddler's Ready for Potty Training
Oh The Joys of Potty Training
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Potty Chair
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Positive Potty Training Using Rewards
Potty training is a milestone for a toddler, but it is a process that can be frustrating for both parents and toddler. One way to reduce the stress and make potty training a positive experience is to use rewards as a reinforcer for using the toilet to go potty. Research on children indicates that using rewards is a better way to mold behavior than punishment. Rewards reinforce behavior that is desirable, by increasing the likelihood that a child will repeat the behavior. In addition, using rewards that celebrate a child’s success will likely make them feel good about themselves.
A toddler is generally ready to potty train between the ages of 18 months and 3 years of age. This will vary somewhat from toddler to toddler based on their readiness for the task. Your toddler needs to be physically ready for the task of potty training. One sign that they are ready is that the can stay dry for a few hours at a time. They will also be able to tell you that they have to go to potty . Toddler's will begin to indicate that they want to be independent. When the time is right, begin using rewards as a great reinforcement every time the toddler succeeds in using the potty. Eventually using the potty becomes a routine and not the main event.
The best reward for good behavior remains parental approval. Telling your toddler that he or she has done something good instills confidence and is a powerful motivator. There is some evidence that the praise should be frequent, but that it shouldn’t be so enthusiastic that it ads to the pressure they are already feeling. Give your toddler ample praises when he or she uses the potty and congratulate and help your toddler when they tell you they have to go. Refrain from getting angry if the toddler has an accident, chances are they already feel bad. Anger may also instill anxiety and fear that will interfere with the toddler’s self-restraint and control. Exercising patience and kindness and with help will let the child know they are safe and loved, and learning the skills necessary for potty training will develop naturally. Potty training can be a confusing time considering all that’s being expected of your young child. Using positive reinforcement will take the edge off for the whole family.
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