TOILET TRAINING

Getting ready

First make sure your child is showing the signs of toilet training readiness (see related links) Make sure your child is familiar and comfortable with the potty or toilet seat. Work out your child’s toileting pattern. Record when your child does weeps or pools. (If there is no regular pattern your child may not be ready to train). Once you’ve worked out a routine sit your child on the toilet or potty at the appropriate time, so he’ll associate the potty with doing a wee or poor. Put your child in underpants and only use nappies at sleep times. Dress your child in clothes that can be quickly and easily removed. Show him how to use the toilet when you go yourself, by explaining what you’re doing every step of the way. “I need to do weeps, so I sit down on the toilet, now I’m going to wipe my bottom etc…”

Making it happen

Consistency is the key to success. Keep in mind that to you going to the toilet seems obvious and automatic, but to your child it’s quite complex. Keep it simple and say the same things every time: Do you want to go to the toilet? Let’s go! Let’s take off your pants and then you can sit on the toilet/potty Try to do ‘weeps’ or ‘pools’ We need to wipe your bottom now Oh, well done – pull up your pants Now it’s time to wash and dry your hands.

Other ideas to help

Here are some other ideas to help the process: Make it enjoyable. Show your child how he will use the toilet by using one of his favorite toys. You could also make a star chart and take photos or draw a picture of each toileting step and tick off or stamp completed steps. Your child could be rewarded for success with an activity such as an extra story or a special phone call to Nana. Provide a diet that helps your child’s bodily functions. Make sure he has lots of fluids (water or milk), adequate fruit and vegetables. Be aware of the signs that indicate your child may need to go to the toilet. Ask him if he needs to go and follow through the routine that you have established. Also ask your child if he would like to use the toilet immediately after waking, after meals and before going out. Nothing succeeds like praise. Give it abundantly – show your pleasure. Sometimes this can be just for ‘sitting’ on the toilet but not achieving anything. Encourage your child to sit on the potty/toilet seat for a couple of minutes (it may take a little time and encouragement to work up to about three to five minutes). Always remember that accidents will happen – keep your cool if you can! Make sure your child can get to the toilet easily, and that you don’t become so busy that you forget to ask him if he wants to go. Accidents can still be quite frequent when your child is potty trained. Some children who are happy to use the potty for weeps become quite hung up about doing a poor in the potty. This is quite common, so try not to stress about it as too much pressure can be counterproductive.