To many parents, the process of toilet train the toddler could be a frustrating one… especially if he / she are your first child. One of the most important things to remember is not to rush them.
There is no set age for potty training to begin. Not only do you need to learn how to watch out for signs indicating potty readiness – you should also be prepared to devote sufficient time and attention throughout the toilet training period because it takes time and patience. Also this is around the time that you might be setting a goal to finish toilet training in less than a day.
Children are often interested in what is going on in the bathroom. It sometimes can be helpful for the child to watch a parent go to the bathroom (when they see you do it – it is naturally they will do it also!!), so mothers can show the daughters and the fathers can show the sons. Older siblings can help too!!
Children learn by observing…. they can learn the correct skills needed for toilet training. Encourage your child to tell you when they are about or have to urinate / have a bowel movement. Many times they will tell you after the fact. Just gently remind them to tell you before so you can help them get to the potty.
Stay calm…and be very understanding – that accidents happen.
This is a good sign that your child recognizes their bodily functions. Praise your child if they tell you before-hand. It will often take your child longer to recognize that they need to urinate than the need for a bowel movement. Sometimes children do not gain bladder control too well after they master bowel movements. Don’t get discouraged. Have patience because they will get it.
**** If there is a lot of resistance it is best to wait a while. However, this cannot be done with just one click of a remote. You have to work your way through to your child’s trust and capability to cooperate with toilet training.
One of the signs of potty readiness is if they are…between the ages of 18 to 24 months; this is when your toddler may start showing signs of being ready to start toilet training. You can start as early as when your child is 15 months old when they begin to show signs of readiness for toilet training. Children at the toilet training age are becoming more aware of their individuality and will test their limits such as holding their bowel movements and urine.
First, explain to him what the purpose of the potty is…then begin training by encouraging regular toilet / potty times after a meal, especially if your toddler tends to soil themselves the most when sleep. Clean him up immediately after he has finished and encourage hand-washing to follow.
Remember to praise him for every success.
Another sign…your child will stay dry for two hours at a time (they are dry after naps or when they wake up in the morning). Leave your toddler’s diapers off at night when he / she are able to stay dry during day time naps. Make sure you encourage him to empty his bladder before going to bed….. Leave the potty near his bed and encourage him to use it independently. However, if your toddler has between 2 -4 wet nights in a week, it may be a better idea to put the diapers back on and try again later. Forcing him will only disturb his sleep and he will be fretful and tired during day time.
Simple sign…as a parent you can predict when your toddler have / has regular bowel movements:
- Watch their facial expressions…. it is a clue to revealing that your toddler is ready to urinate or have a bowel movement.
- Also if your child can follow simple instructions they are ready.
- Toddler is uncomfortable in soiled diapers / pull-ups and asks you to change them. If they request to sit on the potty and wear underwear…you’re the luck parent!!
Tips on Toilet Training:
Wean off the diapers during day time…when your toddler remains dry for long periods during the day. Take him off the diapers – you may still need diapers at night. Let your toddler wear cotton underwear that they are able to pull off & put on with ease. Encourage use of the potty during day time and remember to change his underwear immediately whenever it is wet or soiled. Changing the diapers rather than leaving him wet or soiled will enhance his desire to stay dry.
Actually train to use the toilet…when your child has mastered using the potty regularly… it is time to encourage him to use the toilet bowl. Your toddler may need time to develop the confidence of sitting on the toilet bowl (fear of falling in). Or may also be frightened by the sound of the flushing water – while other toddlers might enjoy flushing the toilet and doing it themselves!
Boys…may need extra training – because they need to graduate from sitting on a potty to standing position at the toilet bowl…be prepared to wipe up (and/or have him wipe up) around the toilet. They also need to aim at the toilet bowl before urinating.
Show him how to point his penis down to avoid spraying the room whether by sitting down or standing up. (If your daughter wants to standing up to urinate…explain it doesn’t work for her.
Aiming takes practice.
A Few Toilet Training Tips for Boys…
- Teach your son to aim accurately by having him play a game called “sinking the battleship” – works like this: Float the corner of the envelope or a piece of toilet paper in the toilet and have him aim at it. Cheerios…are also popular for target practice!
- Drain the water from the toilet bowl and paint a red target with fingernail polish on the porcelain toward the back.
If your son wants to stand but needs to be a bit taller…get a toddler step stool or you can stand behind him to hold him up.
- Be sure the toilet seat can’t fall down on your son – check to be sure that the seat is up securely before he urinates; until he understands how to put the seat up himself.
Start teaching your son NOW that the toilet rim needs to be placed down after he’s finished.
Overall:
It may take up to 2 to 4 months to successfully toilet train a toddler. It cannot be rushed. It is important for the parents to stay patient and supportive during this period. Do not punish and be sympathetic to your child when he has an accident. Above all, be sure to praise all attempts to use the toilet, even if nothing happens.
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