How to Potty Train Your Toddler

You might have heard of stories of children who were potty trained before they turned one- but remember that they are just stories! A majority of the kids are two or even three before they are ready to be potty trained as this is the age where they have more control over their bladders.

A lot of mothers tend to associate potty training to the level of intellect in the kid. This is a myth. However, the fact is that girls are ready for potty training at a younger age when compared to boys.

Is my child to get potty trained?

Do not fret if your child is still in his nappies. Look out for the various signs that indicate whether or not your child is all set to get toilet training. Firstly, he or she should be able to stay dry for at least two hours. This indicates bowel/bladder control. If your child has developed language skills to understand simple requests, then your success at potty training would most likely be possible.

Tips for Potty Training

Give your child some time to run around the house naked. This will give him the opportunity to use the toilet to relieve himself.

Praise and Reward

Kids love praises and rewards- so give your little one potty prizes for using the toilet. Praise your child if he uses the potty at the right time.

Alert the Teacher

Ensure that you convey your potty training schedule to the teacher and share it with her, so that your kid could be well looked after.

New Born Baby

Demonstrate

Kids learn by imitation, so you can try demonstrating it to the child in a subtle manner. If you have a boy, then try getting the father or grandfather show him how to do it the right way.

Limit Intake of Liquids before Bedtime

Do not feed your child juice, water, milk or any form of liquids at least two hours before bedtime. This will help your child to stay dry through the night.

Reinforce

Try to reinforce the necessity to use the potty through potty-themed books, and the child would absolutely love it and learn from it too!

Handling a Fussy Eater

A majority of toddlers are picky eaters and the mothers have to face the challenge of feeding fussy eaters during mealtimes. The first prerogative for a mother would be to dodge those mealtime battles. This will only make the child fuss even more over the food. Remember that the toddler has just found his independence and eating food perched on a high chair is most certainly not his priority! There is a lot of excitement in a toddler’s world as they have just discovered independence and control. In fact, toddlers will try to do exactly the opposite of what you do. Here are some tips on how to handle a fussy eater:

Do Not Bribe, Coax or Punish

In your anxiety, do not force the child to eat. At times, parents unrealistically force their toddler to have food that is much over their limit. Give your little one a smaller portion of food to eat and keep giving refills later on.

Baby Tips

Introduce New Foods

At times, your fussy eater might relish a certain fruit and detest it the following day. Do not give up, simply reintroduce them in a different manner and trick your child with the visual presentation.

Allow Your Child to Experience the Food

If your child likes the look of a food, then do not stop them from smelling or licking the food as they are using their other senses to explore it.

Do Not Force Food Down Your Child’s Throat

Do not set unrealistic expectations about how much quantity your child should eat. It is the child who should decide that. Forcing children to clean their plate against their wish, could lead to unhealthy eating and obesity.

Do Not Keep Repeating a Certain Food

At times, you would be surprised to see that your child has a fixation for a certain food that he or she will eat at each meal time. Do not fall into the idea of doing so. Allow them to indulge, but at the same time, choose food yourself.