
	Intro: Before you begin Step 1: Recognize readiness Step 2: Establish a routine Step 3: Reward efforts Step 4: Accept accidents








	If someone else cares for the child during the day, discuss your child's routine and rituals with that person and ask that he or she use a similar approach. Teach the child to wipe him- or herself thoroughly and correctly (front to back for girls, especially), and provide a sturdy stool so the child can reach the sink to wash up. Encourage washing hands even after false tries. Don't hide your own toilet habits. An open-door policy will show kids that using the toilet isn't scary or dirty, but something everyone does--even the people they admire most.

2torial #0832:
Learn2 Toilet Train a Toddler (continued)

Establish a routine

When your child seems ready, procure a potty. Potties (or toilet training pots) with their own chairs are portable and easier for a child to get onto; those with seats that attach to a regular toilet may help the child make a quicker transition to full-size toilets. Make sure the seat fits your child and that it has a foot rest or stool for support during bowel movements. Avoid potties with splash guards--these may scratch a child's skin.

Taking your child along to help choose the potty, or having him or her help you set it up, can make the experience more interesting to the child.

Visit together. When your child indicates it's time, accompany him or her to the potty and offer assistance with clothes. Keep it short--staying there for more than 4 or 5 minutes can seem like punishment. If nothing happens, calmly praise the effort and let the child go back to play.

Visit regularly. It may be helpful to routinely visit the potty with your child several other times during the day:

First thing in the morning
After meals
Before naps and bedtime

The child is most likely to need to go at these times, so this pattern can increase the child's chances of success.

Flushing. Kids may be fascinated by the toilet flushing, but they're often distressed that something they made--even part of themselves--is being thrown away. They may be afraid that they will be thrown away too, or that the pipe holds monsters. Don't flush until the child is off the toilet. Reassure him or her that flushing is safe and good.

Step 3