Want to get your child ready for potty training?

Milestone Builder Games for Preparing Your Child for Potty Training

Potty training is a significant milestone in your child’s development, and preparing them for this new phase can be both challenging and rewarding. To make the process smoother and more enjoyable, engaging your child in milestone-building games can be incredibly beneficial. These activities not only foster the necessary physical, cognitive, and emotional readiness but also transform potty training into a fun and interactive experience. Here's how you can use playful methods to prepare your little one for potty training success. We also have an amazing short online program for parents to prepare for successful, stress-free toilet training, click here for more info.

1. Building Mobility Confidence

Before your child is ready to conquer the potty, they need to have mastered basic motor skills, such as walking and balancing. For younger toddlers still getting the hang of walking, creating a safe space where they can explore their mobility is key. Simple games like "Follow the Leader" can be a great way to build confidence. In this game, one child leads a line of followers through various movements, like walking on tiptoes or marching. This encourages not only physical coordination but also listening and following instructions—skills that will be useful during potty training.

Similarly, games like "Simon Says" can be adapted to focus on physical actions that simulate bathroom routines, like sitting down or standing up. These activities help toddlers practice moving from one spot to another, which is an essential skill when it comes to transitioning to the potty.

2. Practicing Dressing and Undressing

One of the critical aspects of potty training is learning how to dress and undress independently. You can make this process enjoyable by incorporating dressing and undressing games with dolls or stuffed animals. Create a story around the activity, such as preparing the doll for school or bedtime, which will not only make the task more engaging but also reinforce the routine.

For a more hands-on approach, you can cut a t-shirt into strips to create makeshift bands. Turn this into a relay game where your child has to slide the bands up to their waist and then remove them one by one. This game not only improves their fine motor skills but also makes undressing fun and challenging.

Another playful technique is using stickers. If your child struggles with reaching the back of their pants to pull them up, you can place stickers on the back of their pants and challenge them to remove all the stickers. This activity not only enhances their dexterity but also provides a sense of accomplishment, which is crucial for building confidence during potty training.

3. Encouraging Independence with Diaper Disposal

As your child approaches potty training, it’s important to start fostering a sense of independence, especially when it comes to diaper disposal. Place a basket in the living room and encourage your child to throw as many diapers into the basket as possible. This simple activity helps them get used to the idea of managing their own hygiene and prepares them for the transition to using the potty. After changing soiled diapers, place them in nappy bags and let your child take them to the bin. Also, encourage independence by offering choices during the day 'Would you like a red cup or a blue cup?' or 'Shall we play with Lego or puzzles?'

4. Vocabulary Building Through Play

Potty training is not just about physical readiness; cognitive understanding plays a big role too. To boost your child's vocabulary related to toilet use, you can play games like "I Spy" or "Simon Says" with a potty-training twist. For example, "I Spy" can involve finding objects in the bathroom, while "Simon Says" can include commands like "Simon says, pretend to flush the toilet."

Reading books about potty training, singing related songs, or using flashcards with toilet-related words can also help your child become familiar with the concepts and language associated with this new routine. The more comfortable they are with these terms, the less intimidating the actual process will be.

5. Potty Scavenger Hunt

For curious toddlers, a potty scavenger hunt can be an exciting way to introduce them to potty-related objects. Hide items like toilet paper, soap, or a potty chair around the house and let your child find them. This game not only makes learning about potty time fun but also helps them associate these objects with the process.

6. Race to the Potty

Making a game out of using the potty can help motivate your child to embrace the new routine. Keep your child’s potty chair in an easily accessible room, and when it’s time to go, race to the potty together. The winner gets to sit down first! You can add variety by moving the potty chair to different locations or setting up challenges to beat previous times. This introduces a competitive element that can be particularly motivating for some children.

7. Strengthening Bowel Muscles with Bubbles

Blowing bubbles might seem unrelated to potty training, but it's actually a fantastic way to help strengthen the abdominal muscles needed for bowel movements. As your child blows bubbles, their abdominal muscles engage in a similar motion required for pooping. This simple, enjoyable activity can make a significant difference in preparing them for potty training. We have plenty more tips in our Potty Training Program to help you get your child ready, if interested, check them out here.

8. Exploring the Bathroom Together

Familiarising your child with the bathroom environment is another important step in potty training. Spend time exploring the bathroom together, explaining what different things are for. You can even let your child watch as you use the toilet, narrating the process to help them understand. Once they’re familiar with the objects and their functions, involve them in simple tasks like handing you toilet paper or flushing the toilet. This involvement not only demystifies the process but also makes them feel more comfortable and confident in the bathroom.

9. Red Light, Green Light: Potty Edition

A classic game like "Red Light, Green Light" can be adapted to reinforce potty training cues. For instance, you can say, “Green light!” when it’s time to go to the potty and “Red light!” to pause. You can even incorporate other routines, such as “Brush teeth!” or “Wash hands!” to create a full bathroom routine game. This helps your child understand when it’s time to go and makes the process more dynamic and engaging.

10. Mother/Father, May I?

"Mother/Father, May I?" is another game that can teach your toddler to follow directions and ask for permission—skills that are essential during potty training. In this game, children take turns asking for permission to take steps forward, which can be tailored to include potty-related actions. This not only encourages listening and comprehension but also introduces the concept of asking to use the bathroom, which is an important part of potty training.

Conclusion

Potty training doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By integrating milestone-building games into your child’s daily routine, you can make the process fun, engaging, and stress-free. These activities help prepare your child physically, cognitively, and emotionally, making the transition to using the potty smoother for everyone involved. Remember, every child is different, so be patient and celebrate each small victory along the way! If you need support with potty training and looking for a method that’s both quick and adaptable to all children, consider signing up for our potty training program. It may help make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your child. Join us to learn more about our adaptable potty training techniques and set your child up for success! Click the button below.

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