Use a Timer to help Potty Learning

The Most Valuable Tool in Potty Learning

February 9, 2010

Grace has taken an interest in the potty.

It’s not like before when she wanted to use the potty, but couldn’t figure out what to do. This time, Grace wants to use the potty, and she’s actually making some small deposits therein.

It all started when her friend, O, got a special toy because he stayed dry all week.

The next morning, Grace proclaimed, I have to use the potty! And use the potty, she did.

All that day, Grace used the potty every hour.

Unless you count the 3-hour span during which I forgot to remind her to use the potty. During that time, she peed in her pull-up.

Totally my fault.

After my little mishap, I realized that I had to do something to make sure I reminded Grace to sit on the potty every hour.

Enter my cool and cute (and free!) kitchen timer.

Every time Grace sits on the potty, I set the timer for another hour. When the timer rings, she stops whatever she’s doing, and she goes and sits on the potty.

Grace likes this system. She likes the predictability. She likes being able to hear the timer buzzing. She knows it’s on her side, helping her out.

I like this system because Grace sits on the potty without being reminded. No arguments. No fuss.

Happily submitted to Works for Me Wednesday

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Wendy said:

I've been trying to use the timer with my potty-training daughter, but I keep forgetting to set it. You've inspired me to keep it in the bathroom and reset it every time she goes (or tries). Thanks!

# 9 February 2010 at 7:26 pm

Beth said:

Awesome! Ben didn't go for timers. He doesn't like to be reminded externally. He's a pretty tough kid for this, but what finally got him, ironically, was diaper rash cream. I know.

He pooed in his pull up, again, and didn't tell anyone until really late at night. Clearly happened after he'd gone to bed, but hadn't fallen asleep yet. He developed a rash because he let it sit for so long, so I retrieved the diaper rash cream from his sister's room. He was HYSTERICAL — sobbing and wheezing, the whole bit — because he's “not a baby” and doesn't need “baby cream.” It was 2 am on December 31st.

He has not pooed in his underwear again since that night. He's had a couple of pee accidents since then, but usually either because he fell asleep in underwear or got too involved in what he's doing and forgot.

And go G!!!! Very proud of her!

# 9 February 2010 at 8:44 pm

Aiming4Simple said:

Thanks for sharing this tip! We need to get back on track in this department. My son isn't the problem-I am!

# 10 February 2010 at 9:28 am

The Saved Quarter said:

We did that with our son when he was learning. Along with M&Ms and a sticker chart, it was a great tool! (He needed lots of incentives!)

# 10 February 2010 at 10:46 am

FeelsLikeHomeBlog (author) said:

We're doing stickers and M&Ms, too.

# 10 February 2010 at 11:45 am

Shelby said:

Wow, this really is a great tip! My moms group have been struggling (I haven't since my son is 13 months). We're having a Potty Party to hopefully inspire the kids. This sounds like a good idea to help with the power struggle. I'll definitely be sharing it with the group!

# 10 February 2010 at 2:40 pm

Ally said:

Great idea! I wish I had a cute timer like that one

# 10 February 2010 at 6:39 pm

Melissa Burke said:

I use a timer too! Great tip!

# 10 February 2010 at 8:52 pm

FeelsLikeHomeBlog (author) said:

Isn't it adorable? I did a house party for Barilla a couple of years ago, and all of the guests got one of those.

# 11 February 2010 at 8:43 am

Jenny said:

I tried doing that with my son. All he did was mess with the timer (and I wasn't gonna sit in the bathroom waiting for him to go). So I waved cars in his face

# 13 February 2010 at 7:59 pm

FeelsLikeHomeBlog (author) said:

LOL! Isn't it funny that what works for one kid fails so miserably for another? This parenting business is baffling.

He really messed with the timer? Ugh!

# 13 February 2010 at 8:13 pm

Amber said:

Predictable potty times are working well in our home, too! Making sure poop goes in the potty, we encourage by putting a new car on the fridge so my son will see it, want it, and get it by pooping in the potty…we also made it fun by encouraging him to “make your poop 'splash'!” He finds that exciting…! I continue wishing you good luck…and hope that our progress here continues on the uphill!

# 15 February 2010 at 8:04 pm

Amber said:

# 16 February 2010 at 4:04 am