- 1). Make a potty chair available to the child at all times. Whenever the child feels the urge to go, an appropriate potty must be available. When learning to use the potty, there's no time between the urge and elimination. If the child waits for a parent to stop what they are doing and lift the child onto the commode, it is often too late.
- 2). Place the potty chair in front of the TV or read books while waiting for a bowel movement. Get the child used to sitting for a time while they learn to use the potty chair. However, never force a child to sit on the potty chair.
- 3). Replace diapers or disposable pants with cloth underwear. Choose the underwear with the child. Encourage her to choose a favorite character. Talk to the child that the character doesn't like having pee or poop on them.
- 4). Place the control back on the child. Never threaten or punish a child when she misses the toilet or has an accident. Instead, remove the child when she has soiled her pants. Remind the child that she may not go back to playing until she is clean and dry. Supervise the child as she cleans herself up and changes clothes. She will quickly learn that going to the toilet is faster than completely changing clothes.
- 5). Give the child stickers every time she uses the toilet. Keep track of the stickers on a chart or calendar. Point out all of her success. Offer special rewards when she reaches a certain number of stickers. For example, three tickets might earn her a movie rental, while 20 may earn her a trip to the zoo.
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