Potty training can be challenging for parents, so we’ve created this tip guide to help you reinforce the techniques commonly introduced in early learning centers right at home! Early learning centers create a structured routine and supportive environment to help kids master this important life skill. The secret to potty training success starts with timing, patience, and parents’ guidance. Below are our tips for parents’ success at home.
1. Establish a Routine
Establishing a consistent potty schedule at home, just like teachers do in early learning centers, helps children practice and retain this skill. Start by taking your child to the bathroom at regular intervals, ideally every 30–60 minutes for the first three days. If that goes well, gradually extend the time between tries to every 2–3 hours. Consistency is key to helping children recognize the signs of needing to go and prepares them to respond appropriately. It’s also helpful to take them after meals and before bed, as these are common times they’re likely to go. If your child doesn’t go within a minute or two, don’t worry and try again later.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
Early learning centers often use praise, activities, and rewards to encourage progress, which can easily be translated into your home routine. Celebrate small successes with verbal praise, high fives, and even a reward chart. Rewards for progress can include stickers, small toys, treats, or calls from your child’s favorite Disney character. A sticker chart is extremely beneficial for the child because it promotes positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement helps build your child’s confidence and motivates them to keep trying. Avoid negative reactions or punishment for accidents! This can have the opposite effect, leading to stress and confusion for your child and potentially causing regression. Instead, reassure them that mistakes are part of learning.
3. Make Potty Time Fun
Incorporating fun into the potty routine can make the experience less intimidating for your child. You can sing potty songs, read books about potty training, or use fun characters on bathroom supplies to keep their attention and excitement as they go. Many early learning centers use visuals like charts or playful cues to make the process more engaging, and parents can do the same at home.
4. Encourage Independence
Success often comes with encouraging your child to take ownership of their potty training. Provide them with easy-to-use clothes, so they can pull up and down by themselves. Preschools promote independence, and parents can practice this at home by giving their children opportunities to flush, wash hands, and even wipe themselves with guidance. This will help them feel empowered and build confidence in their abilities.
5. Create a Positive Environment
Making the bathroom at home a safe and comfortable space encourages independence. You can create a stress-free experience by making the bathroom kid-friendly, just like early learning centers do. Use a child-sized potty or potty seat, and make sure soap and towels are within easy reach. A positive environment helps reduce resistance and supports good habits.
By applying these techniques at home, parents can work alongside their early learning centers to make potty training a smoother and more enjoyable process for everyone involved.