Potty Training Tips and Hacks

I am not going to lie, I was dreading potty training”. As a first time mum I literally had no clue! I had so many questions…how do I know she is ready? Where do I start? What if it disturbs her happy routine?

As a first time mum I think it is perfectly natural to worry about all things parenting, as it is all so new. Nobody really likes change, and feeling out of their depth. Like most things though, all of the worry was for nothing! My little lady has taken to it like a duck to water (much to my relief).

I thought I would pop together some hints and tips for mums and dads about to embark on their own potty training journey with their little one/s. Check them out below:

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1. Wait until they are ready, pushing them will only push them away. (signs they may be ready are, taking off their dirty nappy as they don’t like it, showing interest in you going to the toilet, your changing fewer wet nappies)
2. Take the potty where ever you go! A toilet can be intimidating for a toddler, and during stressful times (like when they have to use the bathroom), kids might forget where they need to go.
3. Don’t badger them too much! If you keep asking them if they need to go, it may become a bit tedious for them and actually put them off going!
4. Keep a potty in your car…when they need to go they have to go!
5. Offer a reward! This worked wonders for my little lady! You can use stickers, mini toys, sweet treats etc.
6. Let your little one roam the house commando! This will make it quick and easy for them to access the potty preventing accidents.
7. Let your little one accompany you to the toilet! They learn from us, and love nothing more than to copy at this age.
8. Introduce them to pants as soon as you start potty training, so that they get used to wearing them and taking them off to use the potty.
9. Be patient… there will be accidents but let your little one know that it is OK, and explain things to them. Do not get upset, or show disappointment, 
10. Praise your little one every time they use the potty. Tell them how amazing, clever, and how proud you are off them. Watching their little face light up will be priceless

We are in week 5 of our potty training journey, and my little lady is doing so well.  The only time we seem to have an accident is when she is distracted by something really fun! My biggest tip is every single child will be different so just go with it and follow their path.

Happy Potty Training K x