Here’s another question from our Facebook Community. You can find a list of these under our FAQs.
My son doesn’t care when he’s wet. Anything I can do to help with that?
There are a few ways you can go about helping the child who does not mind the wet sensation. Continue reading
Photo Credit: Photography by Angel
A Story About Potty Training and Down Syndrome
By Monica Blouin
Signing Time Academy Instructor Monica Blouin, of Lil Miracles Signing Academy, is mom to four year old Madie, a little girl with Down syndrome. Here, Monica shares with us her journey of trials and triumphs as she and Madie work together to potty train. Continue reading
Mom to eleven kids, Cynthia shares with us some of her observations on the differences between training boys and girls! Continue reading
Perhaps one of the more frustrating parts of potty training is regression. You think your child has this whole potty training thing worked out and then one day it is back to accidents or diapers. In this article we address some of the reasons behind potty training regression and give you some strategies for managing it. Continue reading
Here’s another question/comment from our Facebook community:
“I don’t know what to do about the regression. It’s so frustrating.
Regression is frustrating, no doubt! Just when you think you’ve gotten somewhere with this whole potty training thing, your sweet little ones get another idea in their heads and it’s back to accidents, wet clothes, and maybe even diapers.
Using Non-Tangible Rewards
Many parents like to use stickers or candy as rewards, and if that works for your family, great. Others prefer non-tangible (sometimes called “intrinsic”) motivators: things that are not “stuff”. Perhaps a combination of the two will work as well. In this article, we’ll discuss some ideas for non-tangible rewards. Continue reading
As told to Colleen Brunetti, MEd
Monica Blouin, a Signing Time Academy Instructor with her buisness, Lil Miracles Academy, and Potty Time enthusiast recently shared with us her very early and exciting success with Potty Time.
Monica is Mommy to two-year old Jack and four-year old Madie, who has Down syndrome. As she says, potty training in her house “has not been great”, with two in diapers, and one of those children having special needs. They don’t make diapers in Madie’s size and it’s been challenging.
Soon after Potty Time arrived at her door, Monica shared this exciting news on facebook: Continue reading
Apple approved the Potty Time app for iOS! Now you can download the Potty Time app for your iPhone or iPad. Use this free app to let your little one put stickers on a virtual chart, watch a Potty Time videos clip, or read a Potty Time story about Hopkins. You can even set up a call from Rachel, who will say, “Congratulations!” or “You can do it! Try again!” to your child. How cool is that?
Sarah Nichols of Kentucky downloaded the app yesterday and posted this comment on the Potty Time Facebook page: All my son wants to do is “talk to Rachel” and then pick a sticker. She’s given him so much incentive and we’ve had so much success today!!! 🙂
Download the Potty Time app now!
The Potty Time app is free. It is available for both Android and iOS devices.
By Your Friendly Potty Time Contributors
10) Don’t feel pressure from other parents or family members to train at a certain age: Rely more on cues from your child and your insight as their parent.
9) Learn where every restroom is in every store: You just never know when they’re going to have to go!
8) Always carry extra clothes in case of an accident: Do this for quite a while after training seems finished too. It’s not unusual to have an “oops” after a long time of staying dry.
7) Use lots of positive reinforcement and motivators: Find out what motivates your child: little candies, stickers, small toys, etc. Or, you may choose not to use tangible items, and just CELEBRATE! Likewise, taking your child to the store and letting them pick out some big-kid undies may be a great way to start building excitement.
6) Consider investing in a portable potty or potty seat cover: A portable potty or seat cover makes the size of the seat much more child-friendly. You can place a self-contained unit around the house near your child, or even take something with you on trips and errands (which is likely to be much more clean than a public restroom!)
5) Realize that night training may take significantly longer, or just come later, than day trainings: Some night training pants or an absorbent pad under the sheet may help with sleepy accidents.
4) Be prepared for, and okay with, occasional set-backs: Due to changes in routine, family structure, or just child temperament, there may come a time when a little break from potty training is needed. This is perfectly okay – you can always start up again when things settle.
3) Be Consistent: Once you have decided to take the plunge into a potty training routine or ritual, maintaining that routine as consistently as possible is very important!
2) Keep your sense of humor: Accidents in embarrassing places and small voices suddenly shouting out loud potty-related words just might happen. And if you can’t laugh right in the moment, try to laugh about it a little later.
1) Most importantly, realize every child and family is different: Accepting differences in timing, methods, and even duration of potty trainings will reduce your stress tremendously!