Go Get EM! - Parenting: Potty Training Motivator
Copyright © 2003 Andrea Simanson All Rights Reserved.
What do Spiderman underwear and gummy bears have to do with potty
training? Well, we tapped into a couple of things that Andy (our
two-year old) likes in order to motivate him about toilet
training.
First, he loves to put on Spiderman underwear (no, he hasn't seen the
movie, but our two older children have and they act it out, so Andy
knows who Spiderman is).
Second, he really loves gummy bears. If he knows he'll get a
gummy bear or two (number 1 and number 2, get it?) AND if he keeps
Spiderman dry, he knows he'll get to enjoy those gummy bears.
He's not mastered the life skill yet, but he's getting better every
day. Just the other day he went potty without even being
prompted. We walked past the bathroom and there he was on the
toilet.
My motto: "Do whatever it takes to help your child succeed at
potty training!" If it's a big chocolate bar they want, promise
it for the big splash they'll make when they first poop in the
toilet. Is it stickers they like, give them lots! Is it
hugs and kisses, hug and kiss them lots! Is it encouraging
words? Make a list of the words that mean the most and say them
often. Our older kids are the best at encouraging Andy in this
way. They do a better job than we do.
Tap into what motivates your child and give it a try. You may be
surprised at how quickly he or she learns and how fun it can be too!
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