• Define shaping
• Understand the difference between primary and secondary reinforcers
• Distinguish between interval reinforcement schedules
• Distinguish between ratio reinforcement schedules

Potty Train Like a Pro

Potty training—it’s often an exciting milestone for children, and it involves many operant conditioning principles!

Often, parents begin by reinforcing their children with a high-five or praise every time the child sits on the toilet, even while wearing a diaper. After that, the child is praised for sitting on the toilet without their diaper. Eventually, the parent no longer praises just sitting on the toilet, but instead the parent praises the child every time they successfully use the toilet correctly.

Often, the process of potty training will involve the parent reminding the child after a set amount of time to try to use the toilet (usually every 30 minutes or so). (Keep in mind, these same principles apply for animal toilet training as well. For example if you are training a puppy, you want to take them outside every hour or so to relieve themselves and praise them when they go.) When the child is able to remain dry for the desired amount of time, they are rewarded with praise!

After the child practices staying dry for long periods of time and becomes more familiar with the physical sensations related to needing to use the toilet, the child is asked to tell their parents when they feel they need to use the toilet.  At first, the child is praised for every instance of correctly using the toilet!

Once the child starts to become proficient at identifying their needs, parents will often begin using sticker charts and token economy reinforcement plans. In this process, a child receives a sticker every time they perform the desired behavior. Once the child earns a set number of stickers, they are reinforced with something the child wants, such as ice cream, a special toy, or a trip to the park.

Although effective, parents cannot reinforce potty training forever! They are not always going to be present when the child needs or successfully uses the toilet, especially as the child ages. Ideally, the process of using the potty becomes self-reinforcing, as it allows the child to feel autonomous and comfortable.