Tips for Toilet Training
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Tips for Toilet Training
Succesful toilet training depends on a collecton of factors, mainly - the readiness of your child physically and cognitively (see previous article), the approach to the task, and the tools you use.
The Approach
This is all about attitude! Toilet training can be a stressful time for children. They want to please you, and are trying to learn what it is you want them to do. They are also getting to know their own bodies and to recognise the sensations associated with needing to go to the toilet. It is a big step in their learning and independence, and to make it as easy as possible, take a positive approach with your toddler.
Sit your child on their potty. Tell them in a few words what it is for such as "wees". Even if you are unsure if your child knows the words, start using the language. See if you can guess when your child may need to urinate, such as if they have been dry for a few hours. Taking their nappy off and sitting them on a potty can often stimulate them to urinate a little. If your child does, make a big fuss! Clap, smile, show your child that they have done well.
Take the nappies off altogether. Commit to using toilet training pants for at least a few hours a day. Your child needs to get used to the idea of wearing training pants instead, and that these do not feel good when wet.
Watch for signals. If you can already recognise signs that your child is about to urinate or poo, by squatting or stopping what they are doing, quickly encourage them on to the potty.
Show them what to do. If they do not seem to catch on, it can help to show your child how you go to the toilet. While doing so, point to their "toilet" and use the same words so that they pick up where you want them to go for their toileting.
Keep it light and positive. Your child is not likely to get the idea right away. When they do have accidents say things like "never mind, we'll try again next time," reminding them again where to do their toileting.
Do not tell your child off for having an accident. You may feel frustrated or overwhelmed after cleaning up a few accidents during training. Remember that your child is learning, and may already feel stress from trying to learn the new skill. If your child starts to feel that they are displeasing you they may get confused, and this can have a backwards effect on toilet training.
The Tools
Try cotton training pants. Cotton training pants are good for a number of reasons. Mainly, they will let your child feel wetness and help them understand they can no longer rely on their nappy to catch all of their toileting motions. Disposable training pants can often prolong the toilet training time as they are more like nappies in terms of how they feel, and the amount they will hold.
Use a potty, or a toilet training seat over the toilet. Potties are good to start with as they are low to the ground, and easier for toddlers to get to. Once trained, toilet training seats are useful as the next step. These can fit directly over your toilet so you child can sit on there comfortably.
Pick a time when you think your child is ready to learn. Use the steps above as a guide to get started. Be flexible in your approach, and even ask other parents how they approached toilet training if you need more suggestions. Above all, don't worry if your child does not understand toilet training right away. Give it up to a week, then have a break from training before trying again.
