Toilet training can be a daunting task for many families out there today. It is hard to know when your child is ready to stop using nappies and also how to get them in the habit of using the potty and remembering that they no longer wear a nappy.
It is very important to remember that children develop at different stages and that not every child will be ready at the same age.
No Toilet Training Guidebook
Toilet training doesn’t come with a guidebook, and there is no miracle strategy to it, some parents like to introduce the potty while their child is very young to get them used to using it while some parents introduce the potty once their child is showing signs that they are ready to start using it.
There are lots of signs that your child may be ready to potty train such as;
- Letting you know if they have wet or soiled their nappy.
- Showing interest in ‘big boy/ girl’ pants’.
- Staying dry for at least 2 hours in between nappy changes.
- Your child has the language skills to understand simple questions and instructions.
- Showing interest in others using the potty.
- Enjoying praise.
Once your child is showing some of these signs, you may want to start introducing the potty, try to plan ahead as it takes a lot of dedication and lots of patience! Some parents choose to use pull-ups instead of pants when first toilet training their child; this is often discouraging to the child and confusing as they will still feel like they are wearing a nappy.
It is important to make using the potty part of your child’s daily routine and if they soil their nappy at a particular time try and get them to sit on the potty at that time so you can show your approval. If your child is using the potty regularly and keeping their nappies dry then it may be time to wear pants rather than nappies, warn your child beforehand so they feel excited by the prospect, perhaps take them on a shopping trip so that they can choose their new pants.
Consistency is key, if your child attends a nursery then make sure you share with your child’s key person so that they can implement the same strategies you are using, you may use sticker charts or offer rewards to encourage your little one to stay dry, and if your child’s setting is doing the same, then you will have a quicker success rate.
Remember that potty training isn’t easy and there will be days when you feel like you are continually mopping up wet accidents, but this is to be expected, just keep calm and don’t panic! It will all be worth it in the end and will allow your child to feel a lot more independent and confident, which is great!
Potty training is a part of your child’s life that you will look back on and smile. Just today I was woken up by my 2 year old holding her potty to my face with a huge stinky poo in it. She was very proud of it and was very happy that she had done it.
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