Toilet training can begin when your toddler demonstrates an interest in the process. This is usually somewhere between 24 and 27 months.
Simple signs to look for;-
1. Your child may tell you they’ve done a wee or a poo. At first this may be after, rather than before, the event! But never mind – it’s a sign they are becoming aware of their bowel and bladder movements.
2. The child's nappy needs less frequent changes as there are longer periods between wet nappies. They have a wet or dirty nappy after a meal or drink and then can be dry for a few hours.
3. They demonstrate awareness of bodily functions. They imitate you going to the toilet or show some other sign that they are aware of what’s going on inside their body, such as stopping what they are doing, grunting or holding their nappy.
4. You notice they’re becoming more independent in other areas of life. For example, they are feeding themselves and can follow simple instructions
You may be able to recognise your child's need to toilet and then encourage them to sit on the potty, or an adapted toilet seat. When they are successful, praise them, but don't make a big issue of mistakes. This is a learning process and it takes time. Some children manage this more quickly than others.
Note the times when your child is most likely to need to toilet and encourage the use of the potty at these times. Some children will happily potty before or after a meal. You should be able to read your child's signals and act upon them. If your child is not ready for this then don't push them to accept a toileting routine. This is more likely to exhaust and frustrate you and upset your child.
If your child follows you into the toilet do not become upset and push them away. Children can become confused about the use of the potty or toilet if we demonstrate upset about being seen, accompanied or surprised there.
There are a variety of training pants and diapers which can be useful in teaching your child how to use the potty. There are some books which you may find helpful to read to your toddler which explain what is involved. These too can boost the child's self awareness and be an aid to successful potty training.
Simple signs to look for;-
1. Your child may tell you they’ve done a wee or a poo. At first this may be after, rather than before, the event! But never mind – it’s a sign they are becoming aware of their bowel and bladder movements.
2. The child's nappy needs less frequent changes as there are longer periods between wet nappies. They have a wet or dirty nappy after a meal or drink and then can be dry for a few hours.
3. They demonstrate awareness of bodily functions. They imitate you going to the toilet or show some other sign that they are aware of what’s going on inside their body, such as stopping what they are doing, grunting or holding their nappy.
4. You notice they’re becoming more independent in other areas of life. For example, they are feeding themselves and can follow simple instructions
You may be able to recognise your child's need to toilet and then encourage them to sit on the potty, or an adapted toilet seat. When they are successful, praise them, but don't make a big issue of mistakes. This is a learning process and it takes time. Some children manage this more quickly than others.
Note the times when your child is most likely to need to toilet and encourage the use of the potty at these times. Some children will happily potty before or after a meal. You should be able to read your child's signals and act upon them. If your child is not ready for this then don't push them to accept a toileting routine. This is more likely to exhaust and frustrate you and upset your child.
If your child follows you into the toilet do not become upset and push them away. Children can become confused about the use of the potty or toilet if we demonstrate upset about being seen, accompanied or surprised there.
There are a variety of training pants and diapers which can be useful in teaching your child how to use the potty. There are some books which you may find helpful to read to your toddler which explain what is involved. These too can boost the child's self awareness and be an aid to successful potty training.
If you would like some help with potty training, Contact Dream-Angus.com
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