Aiming to Train Before Preschool?

6/2/2008 | by

by Julie Anaya, Colorado

“Ready? Set? Go! School is just around the corner. So, if your toddler is ready, now’s the time to take the potty training plunge with a little help from mother of two, Julie Anaya, veteran PULL-UPS® Potty Training Partner.

Parents’ lives are more hectic than ever. According to a recent survey sponsored by PULL-UPS® Training Pants, almost two-thirds (64%) of parents of toddlers wish they could simplify their lives. The survey also revealed that three out of four (73%) parents agree that completing potty training is challenging for them as a parent. With preschool on the horizon, there’s no reason potty training should add stress.

“Having been through the potty training process twice now, I know potty training doesn’t happen in a day. Since Moms and Dads need direction in helping their toddler through this milestone, the Potty Training Partners and I have provided some insights for beginning the potty training process in preparation for preschool.”

“Here are a few of our tips to get you started!”

• Introduce your toddler to training pants. They’re a great transitional tool to help make the process easier. PULL-UPS® Training Pants go off and on like Big Kid® underwear, and stay on. And, they’re the only ones with Easy Open Sides for you, just in case.
• When it’s nice outside, most toddlers don’t like to stop playing to go to the bathroom. To get your child indoors to use the potty, make up a game that you will only play in the bathroom, or offer to read him stories while he’s on the potty.
• If your child is busy playing in the backyard sandbox, it may be a last minute dash to the potty. To make things easier for both of you, dress her in clothes that she can get out of quickly.
• Instead of asking your tot to try using the potty before you go outside, employ outdoor activity as a potty training reward. Tell him that after he goes to the potty, youll go outside and play.
• Consistency provides security for kids. Use consistent words and reminders so the potty training process becomes familiar. Then, reward your toddler when his achievements are consistent -- bring out the sprinkler or buy him a treat when you hear the ice cream truck.