Knowing where to go to the bathroom and recognizing when to go are two different skills for a toddler. Here you'll find ways to make sure your eager toddler becomes an expert in both.
Your high-energy child will want to continue the games, and you’re starting to combine that with real potty experiences. You’re going to need to help your on-the-move toddler slow down enough to feel what their body is doing, but keep that fun level high with the games. So build upon the games you’ve established, this time bringing the games into the bathroom.
- Set a timer for every 30 minutes to help your child get in the habit of going to the bathroom.
- When your child is sitting on the potty chair or toilet, talk to them about what it feels like when you have to go to the bathroom. Talk about how your belly starts to feel a little full and might start to feel funny. Relate how it feels when you (ahhh) let out the pee or poop.
- Help your child use Pull-Ups® training pants to see when it’s time to for a change into clean Pull-Ups®. Tell them that whenever they see the graphic has faded, they can talk to you about needing a change.
How does your body feel when it’s time to go?
“Part of using the potty is knowing how your body feels when you have to go. I know I have to go to the bathroom when my tummy feels tight and heavy. I have to squeeze my tummy from the inside to keep the pee or poop from coming out until I get to the toilet. Do you ever feel your pee or poop coming? It helps to put a hand on your tummy to check. How does it feel in there? Once I sit down on the potty, I can stop holding my tummy tight and let it all go. Ahhhh. This helps my pee or poop come right out into the toilet! When you think you have to go, tell me so I can help you try, too. You're doing great so far. It’s so cool that you’re learning all this Big Kid stuff.”
