New to potty training - Help please

[bonnie]

I do start the potty training here. My thoughts are: a child spends most of the day here so it is easy for me to start them sooner. Children are fully trained by two and two and a half. I only use diapers not cloth diapers or training pants that look and are diapers and i use ikea potties.

My approach is same as in a centre we do it as a routine. I have 5 potties and the toilet with the child seat included. Everyone sits at the same time even babies (only if they want to) I keep a stash of bathroom books; we sing at least three songs there wash hands etc. (Creating a positive experience helps to potty train sooner) I had children potty trained by routine at 16 months and as soon as they develop language and fine motor skills they're fully trained and transitioned to cloth training undies (Walmart). My children love our bathroom time.

I know, many think it is training the adult but, in my case it makes my days go absolutely smooth when I only have to deal with one or max two babies in diapers and the rest is trained.

Parents are very appreciative and they follow the lead. Also I had clients coming here with older children that didn't get potty trained in other daycares I do not promise anything but in a matter of three days their children were trained. No rewards, no celebrations just love and patience. Now, I absolutely do not advertise my services as potty trainer because every child is different and every body functions differently, I only create a pleasant experience and that's it. And parents can not believe on how easy it gets for them when their young children are trained earlier (thats another reason I also do not sell the idea of cloth diapers, in my group all get trained sooner). During summer I just carry one or two potties and still continue with our busy days.

Sorry for the late response Peacefulbird. I'm not on here much so I just saw this. Thanks so much for sharing. Sounds really good what you do. I do agree that it is much easier for me once they are potty trained as you have less kids in diapers to deal with. It is easier when they are self sufficient.

Just to update on what's going on now - I think for now, since I am new at this, will let the training be done at home. Once they have been in underwear for 4 weeks (accident free for the last 2), I will allow underwear in my home. So the oldest is now in underwear. He had a couple of accidents. I believe he is ready but he would rather play than go to the bathroom which was the reason for his accidents. So I have started giving him stickers and tell him to take a washroom break at specific times. I'm not sure if this is considered training or the fact that he is not ready but it is working for us. Once the stickers are finished, there will be not more stickers. I don't feel as lost anymore. Thanks again everyone!

[Peacefulbird]

I have started giving him stickers and tell him to take a washroom break at specific times. I'm not sure if this is considered training or the fact that he is not ready but it is working for us.*]

Wonderful! If that works it is great, as I mentioned before every child is different. Some like and work for rewards (because their brains have been conditioned that way); and I observed that some do not like the wet feeling (which also shows when they do arts, do not like doing anything messy); some get motivated because they really like your attention (and they will go when you remind them, but also I noticed if I get distracted with another adult they called my attention with the potty subject), and so on.

You're in right track. Keep the stickers and reminders going and eventually his brain will get the message that when he feels it is time to go he must. And he will. (Then you'll find out that he went with out a reminder) then it is trained. Some children can still tell you and ask for their sticker, many do not care anymore. (Their brain has being trained to listen their bodily funtion).

My only requests to parents is to please leave the potties in the same spot where there shoulD be. Do not move it from location to location. I leave mine in the bathroom but also my bathroom doesn't lock it has a very easy access, it absolutely helps when training and becoming independent.