Potty Training: Value of Demonstration

It can be helpful to let your child watch you or her siblings use the toilet. It's not necessary to have her watch every detail; it's often enough to have her see you sit on the toilet while you explain what you are doing.

• Tell her that when she gets bigger, she'll put her pee-pee and poo-poo in the toilet, too, instead of in her diaper.
• If your child has older siblings, cousins, or friends, tell her that they used diapers when they were her age, but now they wear "big girl pants" (training pants) and use the toilet.
• If they are open to company in the bathroom, let your little one get a glimpse of a sibling or peer using the potty. Let her know that when she gets a little bigger, she'll make that change, too.

Sometimes the desire to imitate older brothers and sisters or playgroup friends is stronger than the desire to imitate a parent. Oftentimes, an older sibling takes on a coaching role with the younger one, becoming a role model and a cheerleader rolled into one.

The older sibling's victory chant is, "If I can do it, you can too!"

Not every parent is willing to have little eyes watching while they use the toilet, and it's not necessary for you to do this. If you prefer your privacy, then teach your child to respect a closed bathroom door. Keep in mind that as your child masters her own toileting, she is likely to follow in your footsteps and desire her own privacy as well.

Set up the bathroom so that it's safe and manageable for her, and keep an ear open when she is alone in the bathroom.