Are you considering entering the uncharted waters of toilet training?
It can be an exciting phase where your little ones move from being babies into independent children when done correctly.
Rest assured, no child goes into a primary school in nappies so the outcome will be positive.
The journey, however, will be made easier if you consider some of the DO’s and DON’T’s listed.
DO CONSIDER TOILET TRAINING IF YOUR CHILD IS:
• Between 20 and 36 months of age
• They are showing an interest and being willing and able to do so.
• Showing signs of bladder readiness – i.e. has a dry nappy after a nap, is dry for several hours at a time or only urinates between 4 – 6 times in a day.
• They start to show signs when they want to urinate or make a stool, e.g. squats, makes pushing sounds, wants nappy removed when it is wet/soiled etc.
• Is language ready, i.e. can follow simple instructions, e.g. come here please, sit down etc.
• Physically ready - able to pull up and down his pants, pick up objects without falling over and walk in and out of a room.
• Has a well-established routine
• Has no bowel movement at night
• Has a bowel movement at about the same time every day
• Receptive to new ideas
DO NOT CONSIDER TOILET TRAINING IF:
• Toilet Training becomes a struggle or a battle of wills, i.e., your child’s favorite word is “No”, and there is always great opposition. It is best to ease up and stop for a while.
• You are under pressure and not relaxed.
• Your child resists using the potty or toilet.
• Big life changes may make toilet training less successful:-
> There is a new baby in the house.
> You have recently moved your child from a cot into a bed.
> You have recently moved into a new house.
> You are having family relationship problems.
> A family member is ill.
> Your child has started new care arrangements, e.g. a Nursery School, New Nanny etc.
