How do I start teaching my 2-year-old son how to use the potty?

Nix His Diaper

The potty trainer may be introduced to your kid by 18 months. Tell him its use, and leave it in a place where he may examine it freely. Don’t put a diaper on him when he’s at home. Let him sit on the potty trainer after each meal. At night, before sleeping, lead him to the bathroom.

You may try to wake him up in the middle of the night, and ask him to go again. This will train him to wake up by himself to go in the middle of the night. You really just have to be patient when potty training. Don’t expect him to master the skill in a month’s time. It really takes a while, and it is different for every kid.

Kay Bautista, Pasig City

MOM TO Kayla, 5, and Chloe, 2

 

Get The Junior Size

I bought a colorful potty trainer for my daughter, and placed it in our bathroom. At about the same time, I stopped putting her in diapers during the day.  For 2 weeks, I patiently guided her to use the potty, but only when she asked to. I didn’t force her to sit on it.

As often as possible, I would also announce whenever I had to go to the bathroom, showing her how I use the “big potty.” I also made an effort to never get angry with her for accidents.

Eliza I. Trono, Quezon City

MOM TO Erin Jahleel, 2

 

Click here for more potty-training tips from other moms.

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Here are potty-training tips from other moms.

 

Let Nature Take Its Course

I first introduced my eldest to the potty when she was 8 months old. We noticed that there were specific times of the day when nature called. She was completely toilet-trained by 2 years old.

My son, on the other hand, resisted the potty chair. So we  showed him how to use the big toilet bowl for peeing and pooping. We installed a padded toilet seat for him, too. He’s turning 2 soon, but isn’t fully toilet-trained yet. But I think kids eventually learn to use the toilet in their own time.

Melissande Manus, Pasig City

MOM TO Zoe Gabrielle, 4, AND Ethan Paul, 1.9

 

Look For Books

Books that helped me were Bye Bye Diapers: Muppet Babies Big Steps by Ellen Weiss and I Can Go Potty by Bonnie Worth. Since I read books to Ecko every night, it was an opportune time to explain to him the concept of toilet use.  I also used training pants or pull-ups instead of regular diapers for easy undressing. I also limited his fluid intake before bedtime as much as possible. Have him use the toilet before tucking them in at night.

Sarah Perez, Bulacan

MOM to Patrick Jericho, 2

 

Photo from flickr.com