Late-starters: More Tips for Starting at 6 Months or Older

— Expect some resistance and fooling around by toddlers. For example, when they go through the phase of saying "no" to everything, their "no" does not always really mean "no." In short, if you ask your toddler if s/he needs to go potty and are met with a resounding "no," this response may sometimes have little to do with your question. This is all part of learning to read your child and becoming familiar with all forms of communication.

— Concerning praise, do whatever feels right, normal and natural for you and your little one. If you feel like praising your child, fine. If you don't believe in praise, simply state or explain what is happening when your baby goes for you.

— Siblings can be a great help with IPT. They can teach by example, inspire, entertain and help in many ways. Some siblings are better at "reading" their baby brother or sister than adults.

— Many families who learn about this method a little late end up potty training two children at once, a baby and a toddler, or even two toddlers. Parents with two small children can use IPT with both children at once, as long as you are patient; don't have expectations that could lead to any negative feelings or reactions; and respect/accept their individual rates of development.

— For parents starting with babies who are already walking, any time your baby goes on the floor (or anywhere else), tell him matter-of-factly what he did and then tell him that it goes in the potty. Clean the mess and, together with your toddler, take it to the potty or toilet. Explain again that it is best for the pee and poo to go in the potty. Do this each time he has an accident.

— Trust your intuition, listen to the voice within, have faith in yourself, relax and enjoy.

For more on this topic, see my article of May 1, 2001: "Late-starters: Tips for Starting with Babies 6 Months or Older"

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