Beginning the toilet training process can seem daunting but if done at the right time in a gentle and collaborative way the process can be less challenging then one may think. Here are some guidleines and suggestions for successfully supporting your child with using the toilet indpendently.
15 – 30 months: The child will show interest and typically signs of physical and emotional readiness, participate willingly, and transition naturally to using the toilet successfully.
After the Sensitive Period has passed, toilet learning is more challenging for the child.
As your child approaches age three, you may be bombarded with advice and expectations about toileting from everyone around you- family, friends, neighbors, and others. However, toilet learning can become a long and frustrating process if you try to start before your child is ready. One of the most crucial aspects of success is timing, so it is essential to understand the physical and emotional signs that your child is ready to begin. Preparing yourself, the rest of the family, and the child’s environment will also help to ensure a successful transition.
****MOST CHILDREN ARE PHYSICALLY READY BEFORE THEY ARE EMOTIONALLY READY. ****
Consistency is key. Once you have determined that your child is ready to begin toilet learning, consistency is crucial for their success.
Having underwear on one day an
d a diaper the next is confusing and can set back the toilet learning process. Use towels, plastic bags, and double training pants to secure leaks, messes, etc. It is common and normal for accidents to occur. When a child does soil themselves, be very calm and matter-of-fact with your responses.
“Oh, you are wet; let’s go to the bathroom to change and get dry.”
“It is ok; you are still learning.”
“In our house, we always sit on the potty…
…When we wake up.”
...After breakfast.”
…before getting in the car.”
…when we get home from school.”
…Before bath/bedtime.”
As a parent, you can get emotionally involved with this process. During this time, you must be supported by your spouse, partner, grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, etc. Prepare everyone around you for the experience and enlist other adults in the environment to support the process; stress and frustration on the adults’ part will impede the child’s success.
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