tips

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Charmin Ultra Soft at Sams Club and Acorn Influence. All thoughts are 100% my own.
If there is one thing I’ve done a few times it’s potty training…It’s never easy and ALWAYS different from child to child…but there are 2 major things you need to have an easier time potty training: Lots of patience and LOTS of Charmin toilet paper. I have successfully potty trained three of my own kids, and I can’t even count how many from working in child care…and now I’m in the beginning stages of potty training my baby boy. Even with all this “experience” I’m by no means an expert at potty training but I do know a thing of two about potty training success. Along the way I have learned that with positive reinforcement, patience, lots of Charmin, and a few distractions…your child will go from diapers to potty in no time!
HOW TO KNOW IF (S)HE’S READY?
Many parents don’t start potty training until their children are 2 1/2 to 3 years old, when daytime bladder control has become more reliable. And some children aren’t interested in potty training until they’re closer to 3, or even 4.
My boys were all around 3 when they were potty trained, my 6-year-old pretty much potty trained himself at 3…after trying and trying and no progress, one day he came in from outside to go potty…and never went in his diaper again…if only they were all so easy!
Signs they may be ready
Urinates a fair amount at one time.
Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times.
Has “dry” periods of at least two hours which shows that bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine.
Can pull his pants up and down.
Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper.
Shows interest in others’ bathroom habits (wants to watch you go to the bathroom or wear underwear).
Gives a physical or verbal sign when he’s having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or telling you.
Demonstrates a desire for independence.
Takes pride in his accomplishments.
Isn’t resistant to learning to use the toilet.
Can follow simple instructions, such as “go get the toy.”
EASY POTTY TRAINING TIPS
Once your child shows signs of potty training readiness, use these simple tips for potty training success!
Create a potty schedule. Try and go every hour or hour 1/2 to start out. Make sure you continue this even if you are out.
Provide a space for them. Now this isn’t always possible, but even a basket with books, training pants/underwear next to their potty makes the space more inviting and less “cold” to a toddler.
Provide LOTS of Charmin. you will go through a lot of Charmin. Kids love to wipe even if they don’t go, I’ve had melt downs when I try to tell them they don’t need to wipe..so just let them do it and have plenty on hand.
Provide lots of encouragement! Kids love to know they are doing something exciting and that pleases you…let them know!
Provide a distraction. Give them books to read…or mine likes to watch his favorite cartoons on the tablet sometimes. This gets them to sit longer and eventually “go”.
Provide positive reinforcement. I like to use natural, healthy fruit snacks rather than a “sweet treat”. He gets a few after each time he goes, and then when the he seems to be getting the hang of the potty I can slowly start to ease back on the positive reinforcements. You could even try new undies as a positive reinforcement. They could pick out a new pair to wear if they go all day..etc.
STICK WITH IT! Don’t give up, if your child is showing the signs they will need your encouragement even through their setbacks to get through and to the happy place.
You know the saying “patience is a virtue”…you will really need it during potty training time, there WILL be setback days, tantrums, refusal and accidents but just remember that it is okay! You don’t want to show your frustration it will discourage them and set them back further. Using disposable pull-ups are helpful and transition to using both pull-ups and undies once you both get in the swing of the potty training thing. Once you start potty training do not give up! As dory says…Just keep swimming!
1,000 EXTRA SHEETS VALUE!
Having a family of 6 means that I regularly shop at Sams Club for my families daily needs. Starting in mid-November, Sam’s Club will be re-introducing Charmin Ultra Soft back into the club for a limited time! That has me excited as Charmin Ultra Soft is my favorite go-to toilet paper! Plus Charmin Ultra Soft is celebrating the value of getting more for their families by offering a thousand more sheets per package! That’s a huge value for us potty training parents!
How about a giveaway?
To be entered to win, you must share your potty training tip/trick and the hashtag #CharminatSamsClub on Twitter or Instagram. Prizes are 53 $50 Sam’s Club gift cards. Good Luck!
$50 Sam’s Club Gift Card Giveaway for Charmin
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”