Toilet Training Your Toddler! “You can place a toddler on a potty, but you cant make them pee”. Toilet training tips.

Is your child ready for toilet training? Your child may be ready to start toilet training if he /she Stays dry for a couple of hours each day. Shows interest when you or siblings/friends go to the toilet Shows awareness of being wet or soiled. They have the language skills so they can understand what is being asked of them or to tell you .

Is your child ready for toilet training? The child has the co-ordination to pull up pants etc. Physical ability and the ability to demonstrate when a movement is taking place. The child has regular movements at certain times of the days. Watch for signs like facial expressions, or routines the child may move to a part of the room or go to another room if they are doing a poo.

When do you start ? Set aside time to do the training. Avoid stressful situations when introducing toilet training . Don’t start when there are changes happening in the child’s life eg new baby, new home , child is ill. When a child is between the ages of around 2-3 is a good time but remember every child is different and most children will be completely trained by the age of 4.

How to introduce toilet training Decide if you will be using a potty or the toilet or both- best to ask the child their preference , remembering your child may be frightened of sitting on the toilet initially. Discuss it with the rest of the family so that you are all working together. Involve the child throughout the process, start at home and follow up at nursery. Be consistent work together. Give the language needed, wet, dry wee, poo and it’s coming so they can express themselves Encourage the child to choose their own pants make it special for them.

Introducing toilet training. Go for pants rather than pull ups as your child will get the sensation quicker. Use nappies for sleep times. If after a few days the child is still having frequent accidents leave it a while. Encourage your child to go to the toilet before you leave the house and when you arrive at your destination your child does not know where to find toilets in the supermarket, cafes etc. Encourage your child to go to the toilet after a drink etc, Never force the child to sit on the potty and avoid sitting them for too long.

Potty Pointers Ensure that you have plenty clothes for training your child and that you bring plenty of changes to the nursery as it is very Important for the child that they have their own belongings. Wearing things that are not their own may knock their confidence. Record Success with sticker chart or books, allow the children to choose stickers and take it with you when your out and about so all success is recorded and can be shared with other family/friends.

Potty pointers. First thing in the morning is a good time to try them for a wee as like adults they also need to go when they wake up. Be positive and a good role model and if your comfortable allow your child to go with you to the toilet. Stay calm avoid pressure as the child will pick up on this and it will prolong the training Remember accidents will happen but it’s ok and if it all gets to much give it a break for a few weeks/months and resume, better that than the child’s confidence knocked and it becoming an issue.

Potty Pointers Expect good days and bad don’t rush things. Introduce potty or toilet as part of daily routine when changing nappies, bath time etc Be practical dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing that they can manage on their own. If using the toilet, get a special toilet seat and ensure there is a step/stool etc so that the child can manage on their own. Remember we want the child to become independent so make it easy.

Potty Pointers Make it fun for your child, allow them to choose stickers, decorate potty if they want and remember little tricks like putting food dye in the toilet changes colour , or to put cheerios etc to encourage the boys to aim. Never get angry with your child just say “never mind, you’ll get there next time, lets get some dry pants”. Always praise all efforts, pulling up pants, sitting on potty and for success, avoid praise when they are dry this gives them mixed messages.

Toilet training boys standing up or sitting down? There is no right or wrong way to teach boys to train although many experts think that toilet training boys should be done sitting down. Keep it simple teach them to sit down for both urination and bowel movements. It is recommended that once the child is fully toilet trained and accident free, then train him to pee standing up using tricks to encourage his aim.

Hygiene. Teach girls to wipe from front to back Teach boys to shake their penis after wee to shake of drips Most toddlers don’t have the skills to wipe properly, you will need to do it with them until they get it right. Always encourage hand washing after using potty or toilet.

Final word. Toilet training your child is a big step in their development, as learning to use the toilet is just like the other skills your toddler learns - you wouldn’t expect them to learn to walk without a few falls along the way. Your child will get there but let your child lead the pace and it will be easier. Good luck !

Reading Materials Once upon a potty for boys/girls by Alona Frankel My potty book for boys/ girls DK publishing Big girls/boys use the potty DK publishing I want my potty by Tony Ross