Experts say we shouldn’t bribe our children in order to achieve a certain type of behavior. However, offering appropriate rewards for accomplishments is entirely different. Not only is it a good way to encourage your child and make potty training a smoother process, but it is also a good life lesson. Children should learn at an early age that there are rewards for working hard and accomplishing goals. In fact, sometimes the greatest rewards are praise and the sense of accomplishment derived from a job well done.
If you are inclined to offer more tangible rewards, doing so can also be an effective means of encouraging your child to use the potty independently. Give consideration to the type of rewards you choose. For example, some parents choose candy as a reward. While this idea has undoubtedly worked with some children, it may not be the best choice. Too much candy is not good for children and is certainly not good for their teeth. Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that your little one may run to the bathroom even if he or she doesn’t have to go potty, simply because the child wants candy.
Stress independence and then choose rewards that complement that sense of independence. For example, you might suggest new “big boy” or “big girl” underwear. Take your child to the store and show him all the cool trademark character designs. Let your youngster know that not only will she receive fun new underwear, but that you will let her choose which ones to purchase. No more training pants!
If your son or daughter isn’t interested in attempting to use the potty, you might offer to purchase special items designed specifically for the potty training child. There are cute character items with special wipes and hand soap, which might help encourage your son or daughter. You can also purchase special toilet paper that is strictly for your little one that no one else in the family is allowed to use. Having their own items often encourages children to take things more seriously.
You can also find great potty training books for children. They are generally illustrated (discreetly of course), which will help show your little boy or girl that other children face the same struggles, such as being afraid of the potty, not wanting to try, curiosity about the potty, and how things will change when they achieve that level of independence.
Potty training can be a trying time for parents, but we must realize that this is a big step and a big challenge for our children. We have to be positive, enthusiastic and encouraging, never shaming or showing frustration, if we want our training to be effective.