Potty Training Tip: Drive a Hard Bargain

on June 15, 2009 at 7:31 AM

Photo by lemurkinsmommy

How do I toilet train my toddler? There isn't one answer for every toddler, so each week I'll shout out a new success story or quick tip from a CafeMom.

Tip #7: Drive a hard bargain

We had a couple of "tricks" when the normal ones didn't work. Our neighbor is the pool manager here in town, and our family loves going to the pool. So, for our first and third girls, we asked our neighbor to tell them that if they didn't potty in the toilet, they couldn't come to her pool that summer.

It worked more for our first than our third. But she wanted desperately to go to Sunday school with her older sisters, so we told her she had to be trained to go, and that's what worked with her!

I'm down three girls with a son to go -- he's old enough but not verbal enough, so I'm working on tricks for him!

This tip comes from 4time-mom

Be sure to check out these groups:

Potty Training Moms Support Group

Potty Training Just for Boys!!

Potty Training Little Girls!

I'd love to post your inspiring potty training tales! PM me or leave them here. And I need potty training photos, too. Just download to your page and tag or re-tag them dailybuzz and potty.

More tips:

#1 Potty Parties

#2 Treats and TV

#3 Leftover Easter Egg Surprises

#4 Go Naked

#5 Let's Feed Mr. Toilet

#6 The Natural Approach

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: potty training

Comments (3)

RanaAurora

on Jun 15, 2009 at 3:26 PM

Only say that if you actually mean it... and think about how mean you'd actually feel if your child isn't allowed to play in a pool all summer because they're not developmentally ready for that next step?

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apexmommy

on Jun 16, 2009 at 4:09 PM

I'm with Rana. You better be prepared to stay home all summer if they aren't ready. I prefer potty training that isn't manipulative. And before anyone jumps on me that my kids will never train my 2 year old was fully trained the day before her second birthday.