Potty Training Toddlers Georgia CTAE Resource Network Instructional Resources Office July 2009

Toilet Training Babies can not be toilet trained because of lack of muscle control.

When will my child be ready? Girls usually train faster, around age 2. Boys are usually age 3.

Signs of readiness: Curious about toilet Curious about toilet Stay dry longer Stay dry longer Takes diaper off Takes diaper off Ask to use toilet Ask to use toilet Knows when diaper is wet or messy Knows when diaper is wet or messy Put things in containers Put things in containers Wakes up dry Wakes up dry

Preparation before training: Talk about the big day a couple of weeks in advance. Talk about the big day a couple of weeks in advance. Explore the toilet – sit on it. Explore the toilet – sit on it. Let them observe siblings or parents Let them observe siblings or parents Buy a doll or let child teach doll steps. Buy a doll or let child teach doll steps. Toilet seat Toilet seat

Guidelines: Buying underpants Buying underpants Let the child choose. Buy a lot. Training underwear is thicker. Pull ups are another option. Pull ups are another option.

What about Accidents? Probably WILL happen Probably WILL happen LESS as a child grows older LESS as a child grows older You should EASE OFF pressure to train You should EASE OFF pressure to train

Hygiene: Washing: must teach! Helps set a good habit for life. Washing: must teach! Helps set a good habit for life. Flushing: can be fun or scary Flushing: can be fun or scary Wiping: Parent wipe first until child learns how – check often Wiping: Parent wipe first until child learns how – check often

Night time control: Comes later than daytime Comes later than daytime Is it OK for the child to wear diapers at night and during naps? Yes When child is waking up dry, it may be a good idea to ditch the diapers.

Resistance: 2 year old independence 2 year old independence Fear of failure Fear of failure Physical problem called enuresis Physical problem called enuresis

Regression: It is common, especially when there is stress on the child or in the family It is common, especially when there is stress on the child or in the family Could be caused from change in dynamics of family (birth of baby, vacation, moving, etc.) Could be caused from change in dynamics of family (birth of baby, vacation, moving, etc.) Be patient and start over Be patient and start over

Other methods: Targets Targets Cheerios Cheerios Musical toilets Musical toilets Dolls Dolls Sticker charts Sticker charts Treats/rewards Treats/rewards

Do’s Let child decide when to begin Let child decide when to begin Praise for successes Praise for successes Be supportive, give praise, and encouragement Be supportive, give praise, and encouragement Respect child’s body and feelings Respect child’s body and feelings

Don’ts Force child to sit for long time Force child to sit for long time Expect child to perform on cue Expect child to perform on cue Train during times of stress Train during times of stress Scold or be upset by accidents or compare them with other children Scold or be upset by accidents or compare them with other children