5 Potty Training Tricks That Work for Us

February 22, 2016

1. Lead by example. When we were potty training Camden, Jay would take him to the bathroom and go in front of him. It definitely got Camden interested in using the potty. But full disclaimer: Camden knew how to pee in a bush or on the grass before he knew how to pee in the toilet! That’s really what Jay taught him how to do. People would be over in the backyard and Camden would just pull his pants down and start peeing in the grass. The only thing I could do was laugh. Baby steps, right?!

2. Get big sibs involved. The other day the boys went downstairs while I was nursing Saylor. It had been quiet for five minutes, so I just knew I was going to walk downstairs to a complete mess or something else crazy. When I got down there, I saw that Camden had Jaxon’s pants and diaper off, and he had him on the potty (we have little potties all over the house). Camden said, “Mommy, Jaxon is pooping!” And I was like, “Oh my god, this is amazing! Nice work buddy, thank you.” So I have Camden basically potty training Jaxon for me, and it’s great.

3. Bribery really works. Yes, this one is worth repeating. In addition to giving Jaxon treats for going to the potty, we reward Camden when he helps his little brother. So Camden is like, “Listen Jaxon, you’re going to the bathroom!” Cam has my sweet tooth, so he’s very motivated to get Jaxon on his toilet.

4. Little potties made for potty training are key. I think the big toilet can be intimidating for little kids. I noticed a huge difference when I bought little potties and set them up around the house. That way, Jaxon can go whenever he needs to (and wherever he is).

5. Naked time is helpful, too. We potty trained Camden in the summer. Since we have a private backyard, he was able to be naked outside pretty much all the time. If he peed, it wasn’t a big deal since he was outdoors. We’ve been giving Jaxon a little bit of naked time—but inside since it is winter. He’s had a couple of accidents but nothing major. It’s just a little pee here and there. And I feel like having naked time helps them get the hang of things. You know, the second they start peeing you just pick them up and put them on the toilet. Very similar to housebreaking a dog!

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Photo: Kristin Cavallari/Instagram

Kristin Cavallari is best known for her lead roles on MTV’s hit reality shows, “Laguna Beach” and “The Hills,” as well as her 2014 stint as co-host of “The Fabulist” on E!. Her first book, Balancing in Heels, which features fitness tips, recipes, and fashion advice, will be released in March 2016.

In 2011, the 29-year-old TV personality teamed up with Shoe Dazzle to design a spring shoe, with proceeds benefiting the charity One Kid One World. The following year, her new shoe collection, Kristin Cavallari by Chinese Laundry, was born. In addition to her shoe designs, the Denver, Colorado-born Cavallari launched a jewelry line, Emerald Duv, in 2015.

From 2006 to 2009, she focused on her acting career, starring in films such as Van Wilder: Freshman Year, Green Flash, Spring Breakdown, and Wild Cherry (alongside Amy Poehler, Rumer Willis, and Rob Schneider). She also starred on Season 13 of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” and made guest appearances on CBS’s “CSI NY” and ABC’s “The Middle.”

Cavallari splits her time between Chicago and Nashville with her husband, Chicago Bears Quarterback Jay Culter, and their three children together: Camden Jack, 3, Jaxon Wyatt, 1, and 2-month-old Saylor James.