Home > Babies and Toddlers > Toddlers > Toddler Growth and Development > Toilet Training > Time to Ditch the Diapers! 10 Parent-Approved Potty Training Techniques

Slideshow Iconslideshows MORE

|

Time to Ditch the Diapers! 10 Parent-Approved Potty Training Techniques

Previous
10 of 11
Young boy holding roll of toilet paper
Next

Let Your Child Decide It's Time

At the end of the day, you can't really train your child if he doesn't want to be. Watch for signs that your child is physically and emotionally ready to be trained before expecting him to use the toilet. Some signs include:

  • Has dry periods for at least two hours at a time.
  • Can pull his pants up and down himself.
  • Dislikes the feeling of a wet or dirty diaper.
  • Desires independence and takes pride in accomplishments.
  • Shows interest in learning to use the toilet.
Let him decide when it's time to start using the toilet, without any parental pressure. When he does show interest, start by showing him your potty and what it's used for. Don't ask every 5 minutes if he has to go, as this may discourage him.

Says one mom, "My son 'trained himself' in a few days, but only after we stopped forcing the issue."

Next: More popular galleries

you might also like:

from our community:

what’s hot

  1. Top 10 End-of-the-Year Gifts for Teachers
  2. Great Gift Ideas for Dad's First Father's Day
  3. Father's Day Crafts Kids Can Make
  4. VIEW ALL

stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

editor’s picks

highlights

10 Ways to Deal with Temper Tantrums
Temper tantrums are an inevitable part of being parent. Read on for 10 sanity-saving tantrum tips to help calm your child when he's in the throes of emotional turmoil.

8 Printable Thank-You Cards for Your Child's Teacher
Teaching is no walk in the park! Print any of these free printable thank-you cards for teachers to salute your favorite educators for all the hard work this school year.

Explore Funbrain Jr. with Your Preschooler
Looking for fun online games, adorable stories, and cool printables for preschoolers and kindergartners? Check out the new Funbrain Jr., a fun place to learn for children ages 2 to 6.

Award-Winning Apps for Kids of All Ages
Looking for high quality apps for your toddler, preschooler, or school-age child? These 16 award-winning educational apps help kids of all ages learn a thing or two during tech time.

Summer Learning: 11 Everyday Ways to Learn Math
Summertime is a great time to teach your child how math plays a part in his everyday life. These 11 everyday ways to learn math are fun and educational, and will help him see how this subject plays into real life.