Is a potty training chart necessary for you? Some children will take to potty training like a duck to water.

Others...well they will rebel from the very beginning and hold on tight to their nappies as if their life depended on it!

But what can you do if you happen to be the fortunate parent who has a very reluctant potty trainer on their hands?

This can call for the subtle art of bribery ... well it is actually called tangible reinforcement and for some children it can be just the motivation they need to set them on their way.

As a teacher I have both succeeded and failed when using reward charts and stickers with different children.

In my experience it takes commitment and consistency to use stickers in a way that really will reinforce a child and help you reach your end result.

Only begin to use stickers and reward charts if you feel your child needs this added encouragement.
Your child may not need them at all. It is far better for your child to use the potty because it makes them feel proud of themselves rather than because it will earn them a sticker or your approval. This is called intrinsic motivation.

Set clear guidelines for yourself about how you will use a potty training chart and ensure all the family knows the 'rules'.
Find a chart that is appropriate for this. For example, maybe you want to start on a week long programme so a Sun-Sat chart will be appropriate.

Ensure your child is able to succeed with your system because if they cannot earn a sticker for their chart all day there is little point.
Perhaps start small and allow them to receive a sticker for putting teddy on the potty, then sitting on the potty themselves with their nappy on, then without. Allow them to feel success early on.

Make sure your child understands why they are getting a sticker and what they need to do to get one.
Are you trying to document and record your child's progress? Or do you want to positively reinforce their correct use of the potty? Be consistent and fair or you will undo all your good work.

Will you be offering a prize at the end?
Maybe arrange with your child that for every 5 stickers there is a small prize. Or you may like to offer a prize at the end of each day of trying. You may also decide that the sticker is the prize. These are good things to decide for yourself and your child before you begin.

What will your prize be? Personally I would encourage you not to offer sweets and unhealthy food as this only makes these things more appealing and more magical! You could give your child something to reinforce their potty training further, such as a potty training book or a potty training video. Or you may like to give a small inexpensive gift just for fun.

Different methods work for different children, so if your first attempt at using a potty training chart and stickers fails, then change your chart or your guidelines and start again.

Each of these ebooks promise to help potty training your child to be more manageable by providing you with the knowledge, skills and information you will need.

Potty Trained in 1 to 3 Days Audio Guide This audio guide offers proven strategies for accelerated potty training and promises to be a complete solution to your potty training issues. This is an MP3 file that can be downloaded and listened to on your computer, an I-pod or any other MP3 compatible audio device. There are currently two bonuses offered when you order this e-book: Accelerated Potty Training Made Easy a step-by-step ebook Six Potty Training Wall Charts To learn more about this book Click Here!

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Painless Potty Training Painless Potty Training provides you with help potty training.  It is a comprehensive, authoritative e-book on: - New methods of potty training - When you should start the program - Do's and Don'ts for potty training - How to approach potty training - How to deal with accidents Painless Potty Training contains advice and information that will help you make the right decisions about potty training your child.

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How To Potty Train Your Child In Five Hours Succeed with the H.E.A.R.T. method This book shows you everything you need to know to potty train your child and make your child think it was their decision.  The tips and strategies are based on how children learn! This is a method written by a parent with a degree in Psychology, who has been studying children's learning styles for over 20 years. There are 5 free bonuses given with this book.

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