Top 10 Tips For Making Potty Training Fun

by Lily Bell

Not many people would associate the word "fun" with potty training for toddlers. But injecting a few laughs into the process is a great way to keep everyone enthusiastic and motivated. With a bit of creativity your toddler will see potty training as something to be excited about, rather than as a chore.

1. Books and dvds - Take the time to include a few potty training story books into reading time with your toddler well before you intend to start the training. Allow time to discuss the story as you read it in case your tot has any questions. Most toddlers love dvds and there are some terrific dvds available with fun cartoon characters who explain the process of toilet training in easy-to-understand language.
2. Sticker chart and rewards - Get creative when you decide on the reward system you are going to use to motivate your toddler towards toileting independence. Ask your child what reward they would like and try to incorporate this into the process. Another reward option is to buy a range of small cheap gifts (including the occasional sweet) and wrap them in colorful paper. Small children love the process of unwrapping a surprise.
3. Pee-pee song and dance - make up a silly ditty to sing when your child has a potty success. Make sure it is accompanied by an equally crazy dance and you will be onto a winning formula for fun.
4. Toilet targets - Put Cherrios or a ping-pong ball into the toilet bowl for little boys to aim at, or add a few drops of blue food color to the toilet water so that your child (boy or girl) can enjoy the miracle of the water changing to green.
5. Take them shopping for undies - Letting your child choose her own "real" undies is very exciting for most children. It builds excitement and anticipation of being able to finally wear them when she has finished potty training.
6. Potty doll or teddy - Use an existing doll or teddy and put a small diaper on to it so that your toddler has a friend to go through the training with. As you are your child's potty trainer, your child will be his toy's trainer.
7. Decorate the potty - Let your toddler decorate her own potty using stickers. She will be desperate to use it because she will be so proud of it.
8. Support team - Ensure that your friends and family know that potty training is underway. Prepare them so that your child can telephone them and tell them all about what they have done!
9. Make the bathroom welcoming - Bathrooms tend to be very functional (out of necessity). Put a couple of small toys and books in there to keep your toddler occupied during potty sitting times. A special hand towel with a favorite character on it will also make hand drying a fun activity.
10. Fun food - Constipation is a common problem for potty training children. Ensure that their diet has been modified so that constipation promoting foods (including processed foods) are kept to a minimum. You may need to introduce new foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Make these more appealing by cutting them into fun shapes either with a knife or cookie cutters.

The most crucial element for making potty training for toddlers, fun, is you. Your positive, patient attitude is important to keep everyone motivated and on track for success.