Chewing Gum and Other Unusual Potty Training Reward Ideas

You know the basic potty training reward ideas, but how about some different kinds of rewards and strategies. What works for most kids might now work for yours, so don’t be afraid to consider somewhat unusual potty training reward ideas. Of course, what is “unusual” to one preschool family might be perfectly normal to another. The most important potty training reward idea is the one that finally works for your preschooler.

Chewing Gum

Candy is one of the most popular potty training reward ideas, but what about its cousin – chewing gum? Of course most preschoolers aren’t ready to chew gum on their own while they play, but while they are sitting on the potty waiting for the pee-pees or poo-poos to come, they are well supervised by you sitting nearby also waiting anxiously on some action.

So why not introduce your preschooler to the fine art of chewing gum? Buy a pack of sugar free gum with a flavor suitable for children. Break off a tiny piece and offer it to your preschooler every time she tries to use the potty. You can make it a reward for success, but it is especially great for trying as it keeps your preschooler distracted while sitting and waiting. When the attempt is over (with or without success), make a big show of spitting out the gum into the big potty and flushing it down.

Beads

Another fun potty training reward idea that requires supervision, sitting still and concentration – you can see already it’s perfect – is stringing beads. Older preschoolers especially will enjoy picking up large beads or macaroni and stringing it onto lanyard strings or yarn.

Let her string a bracelet or necklace while she is trying (or going) and then she gets to keep the finished product as a reward. Be sure your child is supervised at all time to keep beads or macaroni out of the potty or her mouth. Also, find the largest beads you can so that they are easy for preschoolers to thread.

Play Dough

Again, distraction with a great reward kills too birds with one stone. Play dough or silly putty are great for potty sitting as they can be used while simply sitting around. You can buy a party pack of play dough and offer your child a new container every time she tries, or let her play with the same pack each time she tries, but let her keep the pack each time she’s successful. Just be sure the play dough is stored away from germs and that it is touched only with clean hands to avoid spreading germs.

Popsicles

Another great way to reward a child for trying out potty training is a popsicle. Sugar free popsicles are cheap and a terrific incentive for preschoolers. Offer her one each time it’s time to sit on the potty, or save the popsicle for after she is finished with the job. If you are willing and supervising your preschooler to ensure safety and a clean environment, you might allow her to eat the popsicle while sitting on the potty. It will help keep her nicely seated and occupied for awhile and makes cleaning up easy as any drips are on an easy to clean surface – not your carpet.

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