Potty training your toddler is easily one of the most challenging aspects of being a parent. Chances are, both you and your child are feeling the stress that it creates. For a kid, it can be a very difficult transition from diapers or pull-ups to big kid underwear. That is why it is so important to learn a few tricks to help make going potty a rewarding experience for a child. Make them feel good about going potty, and make them feel like they are growing up. Kids love the feeling of being told they are getting bigger, and they take pride in the smallest compliments that their parents give them.
 
While potty training your child, it is incredibly important to stay positive. Kids have a hard time dealing with their parents negative emotions. If they show through when you are trying to potty train your kid, then they will look at potty training as a burden. Let your kids know how proud you are of them, and how proud you are that they are growing into the perfect young man or lady. Other than that, these few incentives will help your kids view potty training as a great experience.
 

Stickers

 
Stickers are a great incentive for children. It seems too good to be true, but young kids will do almost anything for a sticker with their favorite animal or cartoon character on it. Sticker charts can be used each time your child goes potty on the big person potty, and they will love being able to put a sticker on the board.
 

Underwear

 
One of the biggest incentives for children to go potty like a big person is the reward of getting to wear underwear like a big person. This tactic may seem a bit silly. Why put underwear on your child if they aren’t ready? Well, chances are that they will make themselves ready just for the opportunity to feel more grown up. This means that you will have to keep an eye on your child when they are wearing underwear, but you’d be surprised how quick they run to the potty when they don’t want to soil their underwear.
 

Candy

 
Many parents have a fear of giving their kids candy, but you can use that to your advantage, as well. Candy is a great incentive for children to do good, because it is a treat that they know they aren’t supposed to have a lot of. This helps make them want to go potty, so that they can enjoy one more yummy treat.
 
Incentives for potty training really depend mostly on the child. Find something that you know will have a grand effect on your child. Take heed of what your kids love to do, eat, or play, and use those things for an incentive to use the potty. Every kid is different, and therefore every incentive may be different. The point is, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box, when you are trying to potty train your toddler.

 
Travis Newville
Breckenridge, Michigan