How should you reward your child while potty training?

Many parents worry that they will punish their child for accidents and forget the positive reinforcement[2]. Reward systems for potty training work much better than punishment systems. Have you determined if your child is really ready to be potty trained? Check out our article here which will help you determine if your child is ready to be potty trained.

Rewards for potty training should come after the child has had a successful trip to the bathroom. A reward can be anything the child wants. Parents might set up a chart with stickers, or it could be an hour of television time after three days of successfully potty training.

Check out this video[1] on using rewards like a pro.

Rewards for potty training should be consistent. The child will learn what is expected if they know that her parent follows through with the rewards.

Rewards for potty training should be enjoyable for the child.

Think of all the different things your child will appreciate, and you could practically keep giving to them. Your child is more likely to want the rewards if she finds them enjoyable and they appeal to her.

Three examples of rewards for potty training are stickers, candy, or a toy. Candy is preferred over a toy since the child can quickly lose a toy and may not enjoy it as much as candy.

If the parent follows through and rewards the child consistently after using the bathroom, the child will learn what they are expected to do. Parents can also stick with it and reward after each success, so the child learns not to have accidents.

So, what are the best potty training rewards?

Anything from verbal praise and high-fives to stickers and small toys is generally effective. But remember, it’s important that your child sees the reward as something positive – so no withholding dessert or privileges for good bathroom behavior!

Take a look at our recommended reward picks to get started. And be sure to let us know how your potty training journey goes – we love hearing success stories!