How do you know when your child is ready to start toilet training?
This is a question we get asked a lot as educators. You can read as many books as you like, research every website, however, a child has to be ready and everyone in the child’s network has to be too. Keeping in mind that some children can take days or weeks and some children may take a couple of months. There is no ‘normal’ amount of time as every child is different.
I asked some of our educators who have helped dozens of children transition to toilet training what their best tips were.
Here are the top 5 that were repeated by many of the educators
1. Make the commitment and stick to it – do not give in and put a nappy on, as this will only make it harder in the long run. This includes asking any carers to also make the commitment with you and your child. DO NOT GIVE UP
2. Avoid using pull ups – as it can be helpful for the child to experience the sensation of feeling wet
3. Make it fun and enjoyable. For example, hi fives for guessing which one of the dual flushes to use, taking them shopping to buy their own undies. Praising them for sitting on the potty/toilet. As you will be subtly directing your child to the toilet up to 8 times a day, you need to make it exciting, so they are motivated to go.
4. Reading and talking to them about toilet training. Talk about when it might be a good time to go. For example, when they first wake up, before or after meals/snacks when they are washing their hands, etc. It needs to be introduced into their routine, so it becomes a habit for them.
5. Don’t start toilet training if you have any big changes coming, for example, a holiday, new sibling etc
Please feel free to ask any of our friendly experienced educators if you have any questions and or concerns when it comes to toilet training. Also, the website, Raising Children has a lot of other helpful information when it comes to toilet training.
