Potty Training Your Child While Juggling College and Life

Potty training is a difficult time for anyone. Potty training while juggling your mid-term, house keeping, and couples time with your spouse is near impossible. The truth is that to get one of the high paying jobs you have to have a college education. With a busy schedule it's incredibly easy to slip back and forth between using the potty and diapers when your time is at a premium. Here are a few simple steps that will make this necessary nightmare a bit easier to manage.

Step 1:
Be Consistent.
I know it's not the easiest advice when your life is extremely hectic, but the minor stress will speed up the process. By being consistent, your child is less likely to become confused by what is expected of them. In most cases, it's easiest to begin potty training on a weekend when both parents are home. Having both parents to help in the process means that taking your child to the bathroom every thirty minutes will be less of an inconvenience.

Step 2:
Reward Your Child.
Potty training is just as hard for your child as it is for you. Make a big deal out of there milestones. Take your child out for a special trip to buy their new underwear. Find an easy way to make your child feel special, like clapping for them or reward them with a small treat. My twins did best with small marshmallows. As they advance in the process tapper-off the marshmallows. By rewarding your child, You are making this experience fun. By making using the toilet exciting, it makes your child want to tell you when they feel the need to go potty.

Step 3:
Be Patient.
When you are stressed or anxious your child can feel your energy. You don't want you child to think that the toilet is a source of negative energy. Your child is not going to learn to use the potty in a day, but with patience they will be more comfortable and learn faster. You should try to make the bathroom a calm place.

Step 4:
Help Your Child Feel Secure.
This step has two parts. The first part is purchasing a device to make you child sit comfortably on your toilet. In most cases, this device is a smaller portable toilet at a height that allows your child to keep their feet on the floor. The small toilet is convenient because you can bring it in to whatever room you need to be working from. Your child is less likely to have accidents if the toilet is more readily available. Purchasing a cover that blocks off part of the hole in the toilet seat is another option. Both items have their benefits, but I tend to lean toward the portable toilet.
The second part is giving your child your undivided attention. There is nothing your child likes more than having you pay attention to them. When your child is on the toilet try holding their hand, or asking them how they feel. You want your child to know you're there to help if they need you.

Step 5:
Watch Your Child's Body Language.
As funny as this sound, children are in some respect like animals. If they need to potty and think they'll get in trouble for having an accident, they will try to hide it. If you see your child ducking behind your chair or quietly retreating down the hallway, they probably need to use the bathroom. Children also tend to tug at their pants when they think they are about to go. Keep your child close until they begin telling you they need to go to the potty.

Step 6:
Expect Bumps in The Road.
The truth is all children are going to have accidents; it's just the way it goes. By planing ahead, you can minimize the damage. Plastic sheets are inexpensive and a great way to save the mattress. Also, try to minimize the toys and blankets your child can take to bed with them. This will reduce your laundry load should they have an accident. Also, if you know you are going out for a long shopping trip or out to lunch, pack two extra sets of underwear and clothes. This will prevent you from having to cut your trip short if your child has an accident.

With these simple steps your child will be out of diapers and you'll be back to studying in no time. Keeping the experience light and as stress free as possible will cut your child's set backs in half. Being a parent is the hardest and most thankless job there is, but at the end of the day it is the most rewarding. It's completely possible to better yourself and care for your family. I hope these tips help you keep your cool during this trying time.