Potty Projects!

There are those wonderful little toilet-learning children who decide they are just going to go on the potty and they do. No arguments, no accidents, no stress. If you have one of those children then congratulations you really don’t need to read any further. But, for those of you who have a child like mine, a child that needs a little time and encouragement, then read on!
My son, then 23 months old, had been showing a great deal of interest in the potty. He liked to sit there briefly and then say "all done", and carry on with his play. Every once in a while I managed to get him to stay just a few minutes longer and each time we had success on the potty! It was during these ‘quality’ times sitting on the bathroom floor that I realized there had to be something better than the usual staring contest and ‘just a few more minutes’ reassurance. It wasn’t really fun for either of us and I don’t blame him for jumping up and running around half-naked. It was boring sitting on the potty!
Thus, the birth of the ‘potty projects.’ Potty projects are small activities to help keep your child occupied while sitting on the potty. These activities only take a few minutes, which is just enough time to help your child become more successful in ‘producing’ on the potty, as well as turning awkward, clock-watching moments into fun and teachable moments. Let’s face it, you are spending a lot of time sitting on the floor or the edge of the tub, let’s work with this ‘special time.’
If you are thinking about starting toilet training, have already begun, or like me, have already spent many moments on the cold bathroom floor waiting, then let’s get started on potty projects!
Here are 10 projects to get you started, and then you can discover your own potty projects that work for you and your child! Some require a few props or supplies and others are prop-free! It’s good to start with a bin or large basket to carry all the supplies in or simply leave it in the bathroom by the potty if you have room. This way everything is within easy reach when your child is asking to sit on the potty.

1. Stickers- stickers can be used in a variety of ways. One, have a small sticker book on hand and let your child fill up a page with stickers. Or, let your child place stickers on their potty! This creates a personalized potty and a fun ‘I Spy’ game when there is a collection of stickers to look at.
2. Books- store a few books in the bin. Books that your child can only look at on the potty. A great idea is to invest in a few ‘potty’ books. Lift-the-flap books are also great with more interactive play.
3. Toilet paper roll creations- well, you are in the bathroom...why not recycle what is within reach! Have markers or crayons in your bin and let your child color toilet paper rolls.
4. Empty tissue box- Again, reusing what is within reach, fill an empty tissue box with various sizes of material or light scarves. Toddlers love pulling them out one by one and then shoving them all back in again. (Suggestion: place tape around the opening for more strength, then it won’t tear easily). If you so desire, use a box of full tissues and let your child pull them out and put them back in, they may not be as pretty when guests go to use them, but children love playing with tissues!
5. Action songs- Singing and acting! This one needs no props and your children will love doing these songs with you and they are easy to do while sitting on the potty! Itsy Bitsy Spider, Head and Shoulders, If You are Happy and You Know it, Wheels on the Bus, and 5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. There will be tons of giggles filling the bathroom!
6. Magnet boards- There are many places (even the dollar store) that sell small magnet boards. Put a small one in your bin and collect some bright color magnets in a small tin. You can also find the letter and number magnets as well as other fridge magnets made especially for children. I have also found magnet boards that have a scene on them and come with the magnets (such as dinosaurs, construction, farm animals.) Again, very inexpensive at the dollar store.
7. ‘Can you Find...?’- Toddlers are learning so much so quickly and are always eager to show you what they know! Especially body parts! Another project that requires no props. Ask your child to point out body parts to you. Can you find your toes? Can you find Mommy’s toes? Can you find your ears? Carry on with other parts of their body and yours!
8. Beanbag toss- This game doesn’t need beanbags, you can find any soft, or small object to use. Beanbags are easily made by filling socks that are too small for your child, with rice or beans, and then sewing or tying them shut. Use the basket/ bin you have or find another bucket (make sure it’s deep though) or even a plastic stool your child stands on at the sink, turned upside down. Then place the bucket several feet from your child and hand them a couple ‘beanbags’ and let them try to toss them in!
9. Which cup? - This project requires 3 small cups and an object/ toy that will fit inside. Place all cups face down on the floor. Show your child the object and then place it under one of the cups. Move the cups around without lifting them. Ask your child to guess which cup has the object. They will want to guess again and again!
10. What’ missing? – Gather 4-5 small objects and place them on the floor or a plate, let your child have a few minutes to look at the items and then cover it with a face cloth or hand towel, remove one or more of the items without your child being able to see, then remove the cloth and ask them to see if they can guess what is missing! It’s good to start with just one object and working up to all of them!

Let this important milestone for your child, and your family, become a treasured time enjoyed together. Before you know it, your child will be using the potty and you may even miss those moments sitting on the cold bathroom floor!