Sometimes toddlers need a little motivation for taking the leap from diapers to the big-kid potty chair. We've gathered some creative ideas for fun and effective potty training.
Sticker Chart
Potty Log
BooksCreate a day-to-day chart and decorate it with your child's favorite superhero or TV character. After each successful trip to the bathroom, she can place a colorful sticker on the chart.
Purchase (or make from scrapbook paper like we did) a colorful journal and use it to write a personalized story of your child's journey from diapers to fully potty trained. Have your child star as the hero, of course. After each successful trip, add a little to the story with the help of your kiddo.
Coloring Book
Let your child color a drawing after each trip to the bathroom. After he's fully potty trained, you can treasure his art and remember the big achievement.
Books can be incentives in a number of ways. Try one of these ideas to get toddlers reading and potty training:
* Keep a stash of books in the bathroom that are only for use while on the toilet.
* Get your toddler comfortable in bathroom by having him sit on the toilet fully clothed as you read a book. When he's ready, have him sit without the diaper.
* Take a trip to the bookstore and have your child pick out new books, but let him read the special potty books only when going to the bathroom.
Drink & Wet Doll
Buy a potty-training "drink and wet" doll and have your toddlerteach her baby how to go to the bathroom. By teaching the doll, she will be potty training herself without even knowing it.
Door Hanger
Make the bathroom a fun space by having your toddlerdecorate a door hanger and signs with stickers, markers, and puffy paint.
Big-Kid Underwear
Let your kiddo pick out new underwear with bright patterns or favorite TV characters as encouragement, and tell him he's ready to wear them like other big kids. He might want to try the underwear over his diaper first, but the building curiosity can lead to success.
Water ColorsDye the toilet water with red or blue food coloring -- when he goes potty it will change color to orange or green, turning potty training into a game. As your little boy gets older, he will love this motivation as he learns to aim.
M&Ms
Put a small bowl on the counter to fill with M&Ms, poker chips, or marbles for every victorious potty trip. When the bowl is full, give your child a reward. Your little one will be proud of successful bathroom trips and look forward to a little treat.
Reward Bag
Put several inexpensive toys and stickers into a colorful gift bag. Every time your child uses the toilet, allow him to take one surprise out of the bag.
Personalize the PottyUsing stickers is an easy way to decorate the potty chair. Let your little one place her favorite stickers on the potty -- having a personalized chair will make her more excited to train.
Help from His Lovey
If your child is still attached to his comfort item, let him take that to the potty with him. It will give him a sense of security as he moves into this next big step.
