My child will only practice if they get stickers or rewards.

Try to phase out the rewards (gradually). It’s important for your child to be able to sense what’s happening in their body—and not to strain just to produce a little pee or poop in order to get a sticker or reward.

Stopping stickers or rewards all at once can be difficult. Want to try a different approach? Then phase it out gradually. Tell your child that they’ve already practiced well. So, for example, your child might get a sticker just for trying, but the reward only comes after collecting 3 stickers—or at the next milestone. Like sitting on the toilet without a diaper for the first time. Or the first time they put their pants on and take them off by themselves. Are you currently rewarding them with small gifts? Then switch that to doing something together. Like drawing a picture, doing a puzzle together, or going outside. It’s best to avoid watching videos, as that makes it harder. Give lots of compliments and a high five when your child is practicing. Often, children enjoy compliments or your attention even more than a gift.

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