MUSICAL POTTY TRAINING

SONGS make it easier for kids to listen, even to directives…and it doesn’t have to be to any tune in particular. You can make it up as you go.  Any hand gestures the two of you come up with to reinforce the action are beneficial and make it interactive.  Even if they can’t [or don’t choose to] sing the words, kids can participate in the actions.  After singing it several times slowly with them, pause for (or eliminate) the last rhyming word to let the child fill it in.  Sort of like that children’s favorite:  B I N G O!

[to “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”]

Tinkle, tinkle, little Max.

I don’t tinkle in my pants.

Tinkle, tinkle in the pot.

I will tinkle there a lot.

Tinkle, tinkle, little Max.

 I don’t tinkle in my pants.

[to “London Bridge is Falling Down”] 

Hands and feet are to myself,

To myself,

To myself.

Hands and feet are to myself.

I’m sweet Maxie. [or “I’m so gentle”]

(fold hands across chest like hugging self)

Having had a few musical interventions, you’ll find that just beginning to hum can bring the desired results.  After all it’s just a reminder and you’ve probably been wise enough to practice a little – with a smile!  And what is more effective: commanding or singing?  How can a child argue with a song?  It’s hard to resist the joy of music.