I potty trained quite a few kids over the years, but I have to tell you, my daughter has been the toughest so far. She is just such a stubborn child – especially when it comes to potty training. If you are in the same situation, here are some tips that have worked for my daughter and me. With a little luck they will work for you as well.
Stick To Your Plan
Once you determined that your child is ready for potty training, it is especially important with a stubborn child that you stay consistent and stick to your game plan. Don’t go back and forth between putting a diaper on her one afternoon – because it is convenient and then expect her to go back to using the potty. This isn’t a good idea for any child in potty training, but is particularly bad with your stubborn child. On that same note, don’t give in to her when she asks for a diaper, or wets her pants. She may even try to hold “it”. Check with your pediatrician to see how long you can safely stick to your guns in that case.
Relax and Keep Your Cool
Potty training a stubborn toddler can test your patience to almost no end. You will be tempted to blow off some steam at time – and you should – but not in front of your toddler. This is a difficult time for her and she needs all your support and cheering. She doesn’t need to feel like you are disappointed in her. Do your best to relax and keep your cool. If you can’t, then step out of the room for a few minutes to regroup or yell at a pillow – out of hearing range of your toddler of course.
Make It Fun
How can you take the stubbornness right out of your toddler, when it comes to potty training? Make it fun! Add a drop or two of blue food coloring to the toilet bowl and tell your toddler she can turn it a different color by peeing in it. Drop a cheerio in the bowl for a little boy to use as target practice.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Using positive reinforcement is your best potty training tool while training a stubborn toddler. Become your child’s biggest cheerleader when she goes in the potty. You can also offer her a small treat like a few M&Ms or a sticker to show her how proud you are of her using the bathroom.
A great tool for positive reinforcement is a potty training chart. You can draw your own or find a printable potty training chart online. Each time your child uses the potty you either draw a smiley face on the chart or use a sticker. Hang the chart up so everyone can admire your child’s progress.
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