A Potty Training Toddler Needs Rewards
Posted On: 8/1/2008
Have you considered what rewards to offer when teaching your toddler how to use the potty? Here are a few ideas to help you and your child achieve potty training success.
The Debate About Rewards
To reward or not to reward. That’s the potty training question. Parents and experts disagree about whether you should use rewards to toilet train your son or daughter. Those who are opposed to rewards generally believe rewarding is like a bribe offered to children to get them to do something they are expected to do anyway. But proponents of rewards believe that a little incentive goes a long way in helping your child reach those potty training goals.
You can offer rewards to your child without overdoing it. Here are some potty training rewards you can use to personalize your child’s potty training routine.
Potty Training Charts and Stickers
Use a chart to keep track of your child’s progress. Adding stickers to the chart each time your son makes a successful trip to the potty will encourage him. It is also a great way for a spouse who works out of the home to keep track of your child’s potty training success. If your child goes to daycare, a chart can help you consistently track and celebrate your child’s accomplishments.
Favorite Snack
You should be careful when offering your child food as a reward. You may want to limit food rewards for extra special achievements. Of course, candy and other sugary sweets should be used sparingly. But why not offer a special healthy snack as a reward for a job well done? Think of your child’s favorite foods. Does she have a favorite fruit, cereal, or other healthy snack food?
Read Your Child a Story
Read an extra story to your daughter at bedtime, or read a story about potty training while she is on the potty. Potty training rewards can also be special moments that give you another opportunity to bond with your toddler.
Let Your Child Flush the Potty
Sometimes we forget just how little it takes to make a child happy. Just letting your child flush the potty can be a reward. There are practical benefits to using this potty training technique to train your child too. It can help your child make a habit out of flushing.
Praise Your Child
Don’t forget that as a parent your positive words will go a long way to reinforce good behavior. Celebrate your child’s potty training successes. Make a big deal out of their accomplishments.
Remember that rewards don’t need to be elaborate or expensive. You are the best judge of what potty training techniques will work for your child.