Potty training can be so damn nerve wrecking. I know because I’m doing it as we speak. Some think that potty training can be a quick 3 day activity and voila your kid never wets himself or the bed ever again. Life is easy and diaper free. Well that’s not true even in the least bit.
Potty training can take quite a while. Even if you choose to potty train in three days those three days only consist of potty training during the day time. You have to factor in the amount of time it takes to potty train at night and on outings. Especially fun outings when they will keep telling you they don’t have to go until they go on themselves. Oops!
Potty training can be simple though. If you choose to reward your child for going on the potty you can increase your chances of them wanting to go to the potty.
Here are five potty training rewards for toddlers:
One: Encouraging words
Encouraging words never run out. You don’t have to run to the store real quick to pick some up. And the memory of them can last a life time. Encouraging words is the form of reward I chose for my boys because I always want them to want to do the right thing. Some rewards are encouraging and they do work but they also send the message that if I do this I will get that. Saying “I’m so proud of you” builds self-esteem and confidence that can last much longer than some other forms of rewards.
Two: Stickers
A potty chart is a great way to acknowledge your child’s progress with them. It keeps track of what they did on the potty and once they fill up the chart with stickers you have the option to reward them with a bigger reward. Allow them to pick and place their own stickers even if it’s in the wrong place.
Three: Small toys or games
Small toys and games can be a great reward for potty training. You can offer a small puzzle or little toy animal if your toddler fills up their potty chart. The Dollar Tree offers so many options for small toys like small containers of play-doh, coloring books, finger paint, balls, etc.
Four: Quality time
My boys loved it when I sat with them on the potty. It was definitely a reward for each of us. They got personal one on one time with mom or dad when they used the potty. We played games and sang songs. Sometimes we read a book. But it wasn’t about what we were doing it was just about us doing something together without anyone else allowing to butt in or interrupt. When you have a house to run and you have people to care for you can forget to spend quality time with each person. When they were on the potty we got to spend that quality time together, growing closer and bonding. I would sit on their stool in front of them at arms reach and we would just play and talk. Sometimes they didn’t want it to end but that’s a good thing.
Five: Hugs and kisses
Most people need a lot of affection. It’s how we show we love you. Kids aren’t any different. They like to climb, kiss, hug, snuggle, hold hands, rub, and touch. They want the same from us. So what better reward for going to the potty than showing them you love them with hugs and kisses.
The beauty of these potty training incentive ideas is that you can choose all or just one. They can all work together to make your potty training experience happier and calmer. And sometimes faster.
If you are not sure if your toddler is ready to be potty trained you can check out the 6 signs to know if your toddler is ready for potty training.
Tell me what other forms of reward you can think of in the comments below.
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