It’s time to talk potty! An exciting milestone in your child’s life can also be one that is filled with different types of body language as well as new words and language that will quickly become a part of your home. Potty training - after all- has a level of communication, some verbal and some nonverbal, showing that they are ready to start the potty training journey. The most important thing is to create a plan, be consistent, and establish clear potty talk with your child.
Below, we’re sharing some tips and insights on potty training talk and how to get your child trained, excited, and ready to use the bathroom in no time.
Communication is Important in Potty Training
Communication and potty training talk are very important during this journey. For some kids, this starts by observing their physical cues. During this time, you can observe their bodies to see if they are bopping around or holding their stomach.
Start with potty training basic phrases as you communicate and show them things in the bathroom such as the toilet, toilet paper, washing hands, Big Kid, bathroom breaks, and sitting on the potty. While they may not use these words right away, understanding the tools of the bathroom will be helpful for them to understand that one day they will be a Big Kid who will use those things (like Mommy, Daddy, or their older siblings). Have them repeat this new bathroom vocabulary.
Start with potty training basic phrases as you communicate and show them things in the bathroom such as the toilet, toilet paper, washing hands, Big Kid, bathroom breaks, and sitting on the potty. While they may not use these words right away, understanding the tools of the bathroom will be helpful for them to understand that one day they will be a Big Kid who will use those things (like Mommy, Daddy, or their older siblings). Have them repeat this new bathroom vocabulary.
Creating a Potty Training Routine
Once they are ready - which can be a combination of time, age, and willingness - you can start by setting a routine where you create a schedule for them to try to use the bathroom. This can include morning time after they wake-up, after lunch or their nap, and/or right before they go to bed. Clear communication is key during this early stage to help them understand that going potty is now part of their day. Reinforce this and be consistent!
Ways to Communicate
- Elimination communication. This technique is less of a verbal technique but one that involves the reading of physical cues that show that your child may have to go. Once you understand these cues, you can provide your child with your cues, such as a whistle or hand signal, to direct them to the potty and signal them to go. With this technique you will need to be very attentive to your child’s body, such as watching if they squirm, cry, or grab their genitals.
- Toilet communication. Talk to your child with simple everyday potty words, that they will understand. This includes using words like potty, bathroom, bathroom seat, toilet paper, poo-poo, poppy, wee, pee pee, etc.
- Talk to them about their body and why they need to use the toilet. Explain to them why they need to pee and poop.
- Music is a wonderful way to communicate as well. Sing a song together or create a silly potty dance with them, when they need to go.
How to Communicate Through Challenges
Potty training challenges are a part of this experience and completely normal on this journey. Below, we’re sharing some potty training tips and guidelines to help ensure that your communication remains cool, calm, and positive during the potty training ups and downs.
- Keep it upbeat: If you’re experimenting with taking off their Pull-Ups® and wearing Big Kid underwear, accidents may happen. Keep the mood positive and upbeat. Don’t make them feel bad about having an accident, but instead explain why it’s important to use the potty and that you’re rooting for them and believe in them.
- Make sure the goal is clear and consistent: If you are using potty training rewards, make sure it is clear what the reward is and how they can earn it. If you are changing rewards or aren’t consistent, potty challenges can occur.
- Get excited: Even during challenges, it’s important to stay calm and relaxed. Show your child that you are excited for them and this journey - even if they have an accident. Show them you are excited with a small cheer when they sit, or a high-five when they try.
- Give it time: Even if it seems as if your child -age-wise- should be ready to go to the potty, they might not be ready. You don’t want to cause them stress or anxiety. Keeping the environment positive and relaxed will help them to feel at ease during this process.
- Bring in a comforting toy: Some children might need a comforting “lovey” or a small toy when they sit on the potty. You might even get them a potty-only toy that they can hold and hug as they try.
- See your doctor: If you are experiencing many challenges, you may want to reach out to your pediatrician. They will have tips and insight that you might not have considered as well as years of wisdom and experience to help you and your child on this journey.
Creating a Supportive Potty Training Environment
Make sure you have all the ‘tricks of the trade’ such as a child potty seat and/or a child-sized potty, toilet paper or flushable wipes, and stickers (if you’re using a potty training rewards system ), to name a few items. You’ll also need Pull-Ups® Potty Training Pants for Boys and Pull-Ups® Potty Training Pants for Girls.
Made with soft and breathable materials for everyday wear, these training pants ensure that your Big Kid® stays comfortable all day. Designed with up to 100% leak-free protection and refastenable sides, Pull-Ups® make changes super quick and easy. Kids will also love the fun Disney graphics that fade when wet, helping teach your child to stay dry.
Additionally, Pull-Ups® fit just like underwear, helping your kiddo feel confident and ready for their potty training adventure. You got this!
Find the perfect Pull-Ups for your Big Kid ® here.
Made with soft and breathable materials for everyday wear, these training pants ensure that your Big Kid® stays comfortable all day. Designed with up to 100% leak-free protection and refastenable sides, Pull-Ups® make changes super quick and easy. Kids will also love the fun Disney graphics that fade when wet, helping teach your child to stay dry.
Additionally, Pull-Ups® fit just like underwear, helping your kiddo feel confident and ready for their potty training adventure. You got this!
Find the perfect Pull-Ups for your Big Kid ® here.
