*Start now. Like yesterday, like 6 months ago. You can purchase the toilet lid or training potty and get them accustomed to seeing it or sitting on it around 12 months. Progressively bring it out more often allowing them to sit without a diaper. (TMI: when I was first introducing the training potty to Addy, she was deathly afraid of it, so I sat on it and peed to show her it wasn't going to eat her alive. You'll do anything to get them potty trained, right? Not to mention, I hadn't peed in privacy in over 6 months anyways, so what difference did it make.)
*When they poop in their diaper, take them to the bathroom and drop the poop into the toilet and flush. This will give them the first idea about where the poop and pee goes. Explain to them in your best, happy voice. At this point, you aren't even talking about potty training, you are just laying down the foundation.
*The moment they wake in the morning or from nap time, put them on the potty. I'm sure they peed while they were sleeping, but trust me, they will need to go again when they wake. This is a great opportunity to show them what pee is/how it works/etc.
*Books and TV shows: I do not know much about TV shows encouraging potty training, but I am certain they exist. I've heard rumors of a great one with Daniel the Tiger, but we've never watched that so I cannot confirm or deny its awesomeness. If a favorite character has an episode about potty training, allow them to watch. Better yet, allow them to sit butt naked on their potty while watching it. We purchased the milestone book set from LeapFrog for our oldest when she was about 15 months old (mostly because it included a book about becoming a big sibling), but it contained a book on potty usage. I wouldn't necessarily say it helped, but it certainly did not hinder the process. There's an ABUNDANCE of books for children and adults on potty training.
*I am not against bribery in parenting. Our kids love junk food, but we don't allow them to have it often. Because of this, junk food is exactly what it should be, a treat. When they make even the smallest strides in potty training, reward them. Cookies, candy, soda...whatever works for your family. We did M&Ms with our oldest and we are currently doing mini cookies with our 21 month old.
*I know people who swear by the 3 day method: keep your toddler naked for 3 days - keep them in one room that is close to the bathroom (or use a training potty that you can move around) - the second they start to urinate, grab them and place them on the toilet. The idea is that they will understand that's where the urine goes (you will be cleaning up a lot of pee, especially the first 2 days). I'm not against this method, but I've never tried it and no child on this planet is fully potty trained in 3 days. Accidents will continue to happen for quite some time.
*Underwear: purchase undies with their favorite character(s). You can either offer them up from the beginning as incentive to try or tell them they cannot wear/receive them until they start making strides in their potty training.
*Potty training is stressful for both parents and children. Do not make it worse by adding unnecessary rules, requirements, etc. For example: if (s)he wants to use half the roll of toilet paper after peeing, go right ahead. You can get into logistics of toilet paper use, wiping and so forth after they have gotten the hang of it.
*This is mostly just opinion/personal preference, but it rang true in our household: do not use a training potty and then expect them to easily and quickly transition to the real toilet. Purchase the removable lids for your toilets and supply your toddlers with a step stool. You do not want to basically start potty training over again when it's time to transition to the actual potty. Additionally, this prevents you from having to carry a potty around with you everywhere you go (does not sound like fun to me) because they will be comfortable using toilets at other locations/homes.
*Put them on the potty even if they have said they already peed in the diaper. My 21 month old will pee in her diaper and then immediately tell me what she's done. I STILL place her on the potty and 9 out of 10 times, she was not finished and will complete the process on the toilet. Cookie earned!
*Do not get upset!! Kids read our mannerisms, tone and so much more. If we sound defeated when they have an accident, they will feel defeated and give up. We do not chastise for having accidents; simply encourage them to try again next time for that reward. They will not be fully potty trained for a while, so there's no need to get frustrated over accidents. My 3 and a half year old still has accidents every 3 months or so during the night. No big deal. The sheets probably needed to be washed anyways. I calmly remind her to take her cute, little tushy to the bathroom if she needs to pee at night (make sure you have night lights and if need be, keep doing Pull-Ups for as long as needed).
*Some noticeable hints that they are ready for serious potty training: they can tell you they have pooped or peed in their diaper (through speech or other methods); they are hiding or leaving the room to defecate in the diaper. Please be prepared for a lengthy process. If you are not willing/able to invest the time in potty training than you have a bigger problem at hand.
*Did I mention praise? I cannot reiterate it enough. SING, DANCE, CLAP, CHEER, THROW A PARTY, anything! Positive reinforcement is key!!
*Lastly, allow them to participate. Flushing, washing hands, throwing away their diaper, etc. Anything to get them involved and make them feel as if they are a big kid.
Who's ready to start potty training? Any tips or ideas that worked for your children? Let me know!
(I cannot believe I typed some variation of the words pee and poop about 3 dozens+ times in a post. HA!)
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