Toilet Training 101: Starting the Process.
|
|
So what makes a child ready to master the skill of toileting? Most pediatricians will tell you that timing is everything. However, if you don’t wait for the cues that the child gives or you miss the signals, then no matter what you do, the process will take longer.
So exactly what are the signs and signals that will tell you if your child is ready? Every authority on potty training a child will tell you that your child must be able to hold their urine and stay dry for at least 3 hours before you should start training. This means that their bladder muscles are strong enough to do its job of holding urine. Your child should be able to get their pants up and down pretty much by themselves. Recognition of the signs that they have to go and the ability to signal you that they have to go is the hardest component to learn. Another sign that they are ready is that they are showing interest in bathroom habits.
Keep an eye out for the signs that your child is ready. When all the signals are there, it is your job to then push (gently) the potty training thing. Remember don’t get frustrated. This will just make the whole process much more frustrating for everyone involved.
Okay, so now your child has shown all the signs that they are ready to start potty training. Where do you start? How to you make it not so scary for your child? These are questions that people ask themselves every day. Here are a few suggestions for you to help out with the toilet training process.
1. Take your child to the store and let them pick out their own potty.
2. Once you are home, put it in place and let your child explore the potty. Sit your child’s favorite stuffed animal on the potty and explain that this is where you go to the bathroom.
3. Encourage your child to sit on the potty fully clothed.
4. Give a simple explanation about what the potty is for. Use words that are easy for your child to grasp. (Example: This is where you sit to go tinkle and poop when you are ready to stop wearing your diapers.)
5. Make sure that you let your child see you go potty so that they understand what it is all about.
Once your child is familiar with the potty, and will sit on it without resistance when you ask, make it part of your daily routine. Start with one time a day at the same time for about a week. Then gradually increase to once every hour or so, until they get the concept of feeling the need to go. Make sure to praise your child and make a big deal about the times they are successful. Don’t make a big deal about the accidents or inability to go. After all, they are just learning.
Above all, don’t ever push your child to do anything that they do not want to do. This will only deter them from wanting to try it in the first place. If you are constantly on your child to go to the bathroom, your child will be less receptive to the whole process. Watch your child carefully. You will see changes in his posture like dancing around and facial expressions. This is your signal that he has to go. When accidents do occur, make sure to just clean up the mess and gently remind your child that the potty is where you go to the bathroom.
You will be successful if you choose a time when there is nothing going on in your home or life. If there is something big going on in your life, avoid the potty training until it is over. For example, if preschool is about to start, do push your child to become potty trained. This will only prove to be a frustrating thing for both of you because there are big life changes going on for your child and they will most likely not cooperate with your attempts. Get rid of your deadlines and just let nature takes its course. Keep this in mind, I have never met a high school student that is not potty trained.
About the Author
Edonna Devnat is a retired nurse practitioner who is now an event planner and uses her vast knowledge of babies and toddlers for Baby Shower Ideas to give her clients the best possible event.
Rating: Not yet rated