Teaching Landon how to use the potty really does require patience and time. Personally, I think the key is starting when they have started to show interest, they are willing and physically able too. Landon is only 13 months but he's showing true signs already so that in a few months, we may be going full speed ahead. So how do you know if your little one is ready to use the potty? I have a few tips!
1. Introduce potty BEFORE you begin potty training - I made this mistake when I had Lily. I thought we could just start learning before she was even ready and it did not go in our favor and took a bit longer. For Landon, now that he's curious about the toilet, the toilet paper and actually watching us go to the bathroom, I knew that he'd start to become curious and ventured out to find his own little potty to put beside ours.
2. Let Him Watch and Learn - Toddlers learn by imitation and if they watch you use the bathroom, it's really the first big step. Your little guy may notice that Dad uses the potty differently that Mommy does. Don't be embarrassed about this! It actually is a great opportunity to explain the basic mechanics of how boys use the bathroom and how his sister uses it differently. We teach both kids to call their private parts their "pee-pee" and it doesn't sound as silly.
3. Use Huggies Pull Ups - When it comes time to purchasing underwear but you're still not sure if it's a good time, you'll want a diaper that gives them that underwear feel while still protecting! It also gives them the feeling and function like underwear to help them feel like a big kid! We actually purchase our Pull-Ups through Amazon and it helps us save up to $3! Shoppers like yourself can also sign up for Amazon's Subscribe and Save program that allows you to save up to 20% when you order 5 products through Amazon Family + free shipping!
4. Celebrate Triumphs - Your son will of course have a few accidents but eventually he will enjoy the accomplishment of making something in the potty. Celebrate the moment with him! Share the huge milestone by rewarding him with a 'big kid' privilege such as watching a new movie or staying longer at the playground! Try not to make a huge deal of every trip to the potty but give them that attention they need when they make something happen!