4 Steps to Potty Independence!

There’s this dreaded moment happens every single morning at my house. The small pitter-patter of small feet comes strolling into the upstairs bathroom. A small scrape happens as the stool is pulled across the the light switch, and with a click, it floods our room. I can imagine how deer in headlights must feel. I blink at the onslaught of light and my gritty eyes register the time that is always TOO EARLY. Inevitably, a few seconds or minutes later, the call from the bathroom comes for help wiping. As I do my best zombie shuffle impression towards the bathroom, I can’t help but think there’s gotta be a better way.

I’m so pleased that after the trials and errors of the potty training process that Mr J feels he can do this himself every morning. I just wish that he would do it all independently including important steps like wiping, flushing and washing your hands.

After several cups of coffee, and a little trial and error, I came up for a few steps I used to promote potty independence! Viva the revolution to do it ALL by yourself. And as a very proud 3 year old at my house will tell you – indeed the BIG BOY can do just that! (Note: We still do use diapers at night time at my house thus far, and that’s my next challenge.)

Have A Routine

During the potty training process, we all have the routine. Continuing on this path, there’s a couple steps I’ve added for the independent kid. I listen for a flush from the potty, smell the hands to see if soap is utilized. Once in a while I will pop my head in to ensure toilet paper or Kandoo soap are used.

 

 

 

Stools & Extenders Are Necessary

 One of the issues we found with hand washing was reaching the sink. It was a simple solve with a taller stool we found inexpensively at IKEA. Follow through the process with your child and see where you are having to assist them. If possible, use other tools like tap extenders, a taller stool, or a light switch extender to help.

Provide Tools

Making the process fun really makes it work. My son didn’t enjoy using wipes or toilet paper. We introduced “the frog”  on the toilet as he calls it, and he was quickly doing it himself. Foaming hand wash with brights colouring, and larger than normal spouts kids can grip may promote hand washing. Need some answers to the old “Why Mom?” question – here’s a few to get you started.  While you’re at it, stock up before the next cold hits with a few Boogie Wipes.

Encourage & reinforce positive behaviour

We’ve been using the old bean jar trick to reinforce positive behaviour. You can also use sticker charts, or any other method that rewards positive behaviour! 

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