How to: toilet training, tips that worked for me

I've had lots of questions over the last few weeks since toilet training Lyla relatively easily, so here are some of my tips for success! {I should add that these are things that worked for me and our family, I am in no way qualified or specialized in the area, these are only my opinions.}

1. Like anything patience is of utmost importance. It'll take time for your little one to learn how to use the toilet. It's big and scary and oh so daunting for them. 

2. Commitment. Once you've made the decision or your child is showing signs of wanting to toilet train commit to it. Take the nappies off and leave them off! {sure use pull ups for sleep} but putting nappies on and off is confusing for little ones and sends mixed messages.

3. Plan a week or two at home, I think this really may be one of the key elements to success. Plan to be at home, your little one needs time to get used to the whole idea and accidents when your out will only make you frustrated and may embarrass them, which can be detrimental in the early stages. If you have to go out {which is unavoidable I know} aim for short half an hour outings so the toilet won't be needed.

4. Be prepared for accidents. Children need to have accidents to help them understand the whole process and how it all works! Don't make a big deal or let them see it annoys you when accidents happen. Clean up quickly without fuss and carry on.

5. No potty. In my opinion potty's are evil and only add an extra step into an already difficult process. Once they get used to the potty then you need to get them on to the toilet, useless and more work for you. Lash out and buy a good little child's toilet seat and a step thing.

6. Small successes. If your not having much luck reward even the smallest of wins. A wee not in a nappy is a win, even if it is on the floor! They'll soon get the idea.

7. Rewards! It's time to crack out all the left over party goods, stickers, chocolates, balloons and a crazy little dance, make a big deal when they succeed. They'll feel so proud of themselves, as will you! Sticker charts work well for some children, they like to see that they're making progress.

8. Be prepared for the repetition. Children learn from repetition and most likely you'll be having to take your little one to the toilet up to 20 times a day, do the same thing each time so they can learn what to do. Which I guess ties in with patience, because it can be pretty frustrating when they need to go 5 times whilst your trying to make dinner. Deep breaths.

Toilet training is one of those parenting things you go through that can be so very difficult at the time, but once your get past the first couple of weeks you'll never look back.

Do you have any tips to add? What worked for you?