The Distraction Issue
Dealing with distractions is a key part of mastering the potty training process. It can be extremely frustrating when things seem to be going smoothly but then your child’s attention is suddenly lost. It is also difficult when your child is too distracted to sit on the toilet in the first place.
The best way to reduce distractions is to make the potty training process more natural. If you work hard, going to the bathroom will become ingrained into your child and distractions will become a thing of the past.
Make the Bathroom an Exciting Place to Be
All children will have a particular game, toy or book that they just cannot put down. If you make the bathroom a fun place to be, then potty training will become part of the game.
Books themed around potty training are still our favourite bathroom partners. The Princess Polly and Pirate Pete board books from Andrea Pinnington are great but it doesn’t all have to be about the subject in hand. You can also bring new books into the bathroom featuring their favourite characters such as Peppa Pig or Dora the Explorer. The latter even has a board book all about how to use the potty. With buttons to press that make the flushing sound of a toilet, this is a great way to encourage confidence on the loo.
Anything that keeps your little one’s attention focused so that they sit on the potty will work a treat. We also love the My First Travel Books series from Anna Othitis.
You can tell them your own stories, too. Our kids loved the whole ‘when mummy and daddy were little’ tales. Feel free to use poetic license to keep them on the loo for longer!
Doodle Away
Children who prefer to be active can be tempted by the classic kids’ game: Etch A Sketch. If you are feeling ambitious, ask your child to draw an image of him/herself on the toilet. This will reinforce positive associations with potty training and help nervous kids to relax.
Often simply leaving your child to doodle away will keep them entertained enough and, before either of you know it, they will have used the potty successfully.
Use Fun Incentives
We created the Family Seat with every aspect of the potty training process in mind. This is why our Potty Training Accessories come free with every seat. The Door Hanger and Progress Chart can be personalised to your child to help them get involved in the process. There are even colourful dragons to help you out! Read more about our potty training aids here.
You can also enhance these incentives by using your own tools tailored to your child. Perhaps introduce a star chart that they can reach themselves and put a star up every time they manage to sit on the potty for a certain length of time without running off. Even if they don’t manage to have a number one or two, this will emphasise that the bathroom is a rewarding place to be.
Set A Routine
It may sound like a big ask, but having a bit of peace and quiet around the house will give you a chance to set your child’s potty training routine. Perhaps ask them if they need a wee as soon as you come home from the daily shop or when they arrive at nursery. The latter will encourage continuity between home and nursery, helping to take the fear out of potty training in an environment away from home. Check out our post on potty training at nursery here.
Take note of your child’s natural toilet habits and decide how many times a day you will encourage them to go. Try to pre-empt their bathroom trips and attract him/her to the potty with a book or toy. This is another good way to avoid accidents. This is especially relevant as your child will be entertaining him/herself far more once their older siblings are out of the house. When he/she is distracted by toys/games, they may simply forget to go to the toilet. A routine will go some way towards dealing with this issue.
The key is to tempt your child to the toilet with something exciting. If all else fails, we find that simply saying “I need a wee, bet you can’t get there first” proves very effective.
Are you planning to potty train when the new school year begins? Do you have any questions or concerns about toilet training? Get in touch! Email: info@familyseat.com or fill out our online contact form. We’d love to hear from you! You can also stay in touch with Family Seat by joining our friendly, active community on Facebook and Twitter.