Potty Training Takes Time
I've been scouring the mommy blogs for advice on potty training. And one thing I've learned from personal experience and the stories many moms tell is that potty training is not a once-and-done event. For many of us, it's a long slog to success– fraught with set-backs, which can be triggered by any number of things...from the physical (lactose intolerance, surgery) to the emotional (a fight with a friend, the birth of a sibling). Whatever the reason, regression in the potty training arena can be frustrating and stressful for parents and children. I've seen postings by parents who are so desperate that they resort to punitive measures like taking away toys, humiliation, or worse.
Positive Incentives Work Best
One lesson I've learned from experience, discussions with our pediatrician and websites with advice I trust, is that positive incentives and reinforcement are always ultimately more successful. Think about it– the one thing a child can control is when and where she or he goes to the bathroom. You definitely don't want to establish a pattern where your child is afraid to go, or is holding back for some reason. Those habits can be extremely difficult to break and the solution can involve letting your child sit on the toilet with a book after every meal for as long as it takes– or even, as recommended by our pediatrician, using an iPad for entertainment. Thank goodness those days are over. When our daughter took to the toilet with the iPad, it was very difficult to get to school on time!
I recommend starting with incentives. Kids respond to all kinds of incentives. For example, many boys want to graduate to boys' briefs, boys' boxers, or boys' boxer briefs to look like Daddy and feel more grown up. Boys' boxer briefs often have fun characters on them but let's face it, how many fathers are wearing Superman briefs? Boxer briefs for boys can be just as fun and much more grown up when they come in bright colors with contrasting trims.
The Right Toddler Underwear for Potty Training
As for girls, well, girls' underwear comes in many varieties– styles of little girl panties include bikinis, briefs, hipsters, boy shorts and more. Girls' undies can be sweetly feminine, in pastel colors with little bows, or they can be colorful and fun in bright prints and patterns. Girls' bike shorts bridge the gap between undies and outwear and can be invaluable during potty training as extra protection for accidents. Bike shorts are useful under skirts for modesty and also add a touch of color and fashion to a girl's outfit. Girls' leggings are extremely popular both as a substitute for pants and under skirts and dresses. One thing is certain: little girls love to dress like big girls and what better incentive to use the potty than pretty, fun girls' underwear?
Win at Potty Training with Colorful Girls & Boys Undies
Lucky & Me has a wonderful assortment of boys' boxer briefs and boys' briefs in fun colors which many customers say their boys are eager to wear and which provide just the right incentive for boys who are ready for potty training. Lucky & Me also has a wide variety of girls' underwear, from fancy girl panties like the Lily Briefs to the bright and colorful Gracie Briefs. They also have girls' bike shorts and girls' leggings in super soft modal fabric. Both styles come in white and fun colors and the leggings really pop in a bright stripe and Hearty Party print.
By Liz Smith. Liz has worked across the globe for many of the world's best known apparel brands, including Justice, Chico's, Victoria's Secret, and Hanes. She has worked closely with dozens of factories in more than 20 countries to ensure that production is of the highest standard. Liz has managed all aspects of garment production, from design through fabric development to sewing and merchandising - so she knows what it takes to make high-quality apparel. Liz is thrilled to share her knowledge about clothes to help discerning customers choose the finest products.