A Summary of the Most Popular Potty Training Techniques

A few different potty training techniques are most commonly cited in the literature. Below is a summary of the most commonly discussed methods:

"The Train in a Day" Method

The "Train in a Day" Method was first made popular back in the 1970s by the authors Azrin/Foxx in a book entitled "Toilet Training in Less Than a Day." More recently, Dr. Phil and Narmin Parpia have endorsed this training method. The basic premise of this technique is to go "cold-turkey" with diapers. One morning you announce to your child that they will no longer wear diapers. The next four to eight hours are spent teaching the child how to properly use the toilet.

During those four to eight hours, your child is educated by playing with and teaching a doll how to properly use the potty. They are given positive reinforcement when successful, and negative enforcement when there is an accident. Positive reinforcement consists of treats, snacks, and/or small toys. The negative reinforcement is dispensed through "toileting drills."

"The Timer Method" of Toilet Training

Some parents consider the timer method of potty training to be less stressful than the "train in a day" methods. Thee timer method also involves keeping the child out of diapers entirely during training. Basically a timer is set for certain time intervals, and when the timer goes off the child is brought to the toilet for a potty session. Small rewards, praises, and hugs are given if the toddler is successful. There is no negative reinforcement for accidents other than an expression of disappointment. As toileting skills become more reliable, the interval between timer setting becomes longer and longer.

Although this method can be accomplished in three to seven days, it is slower than the "train in a day" methods and difficult if you have a particularly stubborn child. Motivation needs to be kept high for the entire training process. Often, a child loses interest in the novelty of "potty time!" before they actually "catch on" to the pottying process.

"The Naked and $75" Method

The Naked and $75 dollar method is the training technique endorsed by Dr. John Rosemond. Dr. Rosemond believes that toilet training should be simple and no-nonsense. The child is empowered to basically train themselves.

Training begins with an explanation of how and what is expected of the child. Parents show by example and explanation, and then tell their children, "Now it's your turn. Mommy and Daddy expect you to use the potty from now on." The child is left naked for three to seven days while they learn how to use the toilet. When a child is naked it helps to teach awareness of bodily function. (It is much easier for a child to realize they are pooping and peeing when it is running down their leg rather than having it land in an absorbent diaper.) The parent or caregiver is there to provide assistance if needed, but remains hands-off during the training process.

The $75 is for the inevitable carpet cleaning bill!

"Child-Centered" Toilet Training

Child centered potty training puts the child in charge of when and how to train. This method relies on having the toddler decide on their own that they are ready to use the toilet. This is one of the most common trends in potty training children today. Children who have reached this decision on their own are typically very easy to train, however the disadvantage is that for many children the "habit" of using diapers has become so ingrained that convincing them otherwise is very difficult. Potty training at an advanced age can be detrimental for the child should they wish to be admitted to pre-school or wish to participate in certain activities.

Coincidentally, "Child-centered" potty training was first introduced around the same time as the invention of disposable diapers. As you can imagine the convenience of not having to launder cloth diapers made it much easier for parents to allow training to be delayed.

"Potty Training Boot Camp"

A combination of a few methods is used for the Potty Training Boot Camp.

Potty training takes place in phases: Preparatory work, "boot camp", reinforcement and maintenance. The focus of the preparatory work is to encourage familiarity of the toileting process. The "boot camp" day is a modified "train in a day method." Instead of using a training doll on the "boot camp" day, it is instead used in preparatory work. Rewards on the training day are increasingly more "desirable" for the toddler to help maintain motivation. The reinforcement phase combines the "Naked and $75" method and the "timer method." The child stays naked to allow for increased awareness of bodily function, and the timer allows the parent to still maintain some control over the training. Maintenance is handled like any other training program - frequent reminders and positive reinforcement consisting of hugs, praises, stickers, and large "hoorays!"

Suzanne Riffel is the author of "The Potty Boot Camp: Basic Training for Toddlers." Her potty training method has been successful for hundreds of parents.

The Potty Boot Camp can be found at http://www.thepottybootcamp.com and at the online bookstore Booklocker.com: http://www.booklocker.com/books/3161.html

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