How to Potty Train Stubborn Four Year Old Girls

There is no set age for potty training, however most schools require that students be potty trained before entering kindergarten. If you find yourself faced with the challenge of potty training your particularly headstrong 4-year-old girl before she gets ready to pack her book bag, don't feel overwhelmed or defeated. If you follow a systemic potty training procedure, you will find that potty training isn't the bear you thought it might be. Spend some time getting your daughter excited about the prospect of using the potty and assisting her in practicing this important skill to achieve potty-training success.

Things You'll Need

  • "Everybody Poops" by Taro Gomi
  • "Princess and the Potty" by Wendy Cheyette Lewison
  • M&M's

Instructions

    • 1

      Read potty-training themed books with your daughter. There are a wide array of books dedicated to the art of potty training. Replace your child's favorite bedtime story with a potty-trained themed tale such as the classic, "Everybody Poops" by Taro Gomi. If your daughter is a girlie-girl, try "Princess and the Potty" by Wendy Cheyette Lewison, as she will likely enjoy the feminine princess theme.

    • 2

      Discuss potty training with her. By the time your child is 4 years old she will likely be able to engage in conversation with you about the topic of potty training. After you read about the importance of potty training, discuss the topic with her. Ask her how she feels about the prospect of using the toilet all the time instead of relying on diapers. Explain the importance of potty training to help her become motivated to take on the challenging task.

    • 3

      Use an adult toilet, not a kiddie potty. Many parents start their potty training with small toilets designed specifically for children. If you are potty training a 4 year old, you can bypass this step. Train your daughter with the standard toilet to reinforce the fact that she is a big girl who needs to use the big girl potty.

    • 4

      Place her on the toilet regularly. Identifying the urge to use the bathroom can be difficult at first. Help your child familiarize herself with the urge by placing her on the toilet regularly. Start out by putting her on the toilet every 20 minutes, regardless of whether she expresses a need to use the bathroom. As she becomes familiar with frequent toilet visits, she will begin to learn her body and understand what it feels like to need to go to the bathroom and how she can start and stop peeing or bowel movements on her own.

    • 5

      Offer her a prize for following through with potty-training behavior. If she rebels against this training, sweeten the deal. "Parents" magazine encourages parents to reward their child with small candies such as M&M's for potty success. You can offer her two or three candies for using the potty and give her four of five if she also wipes properly and washes her hands after her toilet use.

    • 6

      Praise her profusely. There is no such thing as too much praise in this situation. Tell your daughter again and again that you are proud of her. Point out what a big girl she is for continually using the potty. As she receives this pleasurable praise she will be even more eager to continue her potty training behavior in an attempt to please you.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • I Learned Not Trying to Potty Train is the Best Way to Potty Train
      When my boy was almost 3, he had zero interest in the potty. We had potties out around the house for months—one in the bathroom and one in the living room—hoping he might try one of them when it was time to do his business. We even tried
    • Where can one buy a baby bjorn potty?
      Baby Bjorn doesnt make a potty. They are known for baby carriers, high chairs, and other baby products. If youre looking for a potty, you can find them at a variety of retailers:* Online: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Babies R Us, buybuy BABY, and many ot
    • What to Do About Potty Accidents
      Two steps forward, one step back -- thats the potty training rhythm for many children. Its a tough skill to master and "hiccups" in the process are inevitable. Though accidents are frustrating for all involved, it’s your visible react