From Nappies to Knickers
It seems that every mum, dad and carer dreads Potty Training so don’t feel that you are alone! We all hear dreadful stories of being a prisoner in your own home, endless clearing up of mess and soiled clothing and fear of leaving the house in case a wee follows within just a few minutes of closing the front door!
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be like that! Most importantly – don’t dread it, don’t fear it and remember that no child grows up not knowing how to use the loo! Follow my simple blog and you won’t go far wrong – once trained, you will then smile in satisfaction that it really isn’t that bad.
Firstly – don’t bow to peer pressure! We all know that mum who had their child potty trained to perfection at age 1 but be realistic, if this is the truth then it is exceedingly rare. Primarily because children of that age do not yet have muscles strong enough to control their toilet needs. Equally, when you do train your little one, don’t feel they should be dry at night immediately, muscles take time to develop and they are unlikely to be ready to go through the night initially.
Does your mum constantly tell you how you were held over a potty at just 12 weeks? Well that may be the case but it just isn’t done like that today, so don’t worry! As it happens, Europeans do train their children earlier. From weaning, they put them on the potty straight after breakfast, lunch and dinner and they seem to get the job done! However, you can feel rest assured that us living in the UK don’t do it this way – of course, you may want to try it though!
Your child could be ready to be trained at any age from 2 to 3 and a half. Girls do notoriously “get it” quicker than boys but they all get there in the end. Things to watch for which may indicate that they are ready:
– They take an interest in what the toilet is
– They tell you they have done a wee or a poo
– They are conscious of a dirty nappy
– They wake up from a nap dry (not just once!)
– They want to know what you are doing on the loo…!
If you notice these little signs then you should give it a go. If it doesn’t work, do not panic, just stop and set a new target date in about 6 weeks.
When you have “set a date” to train, make sure you clear your diary for 48 hours or so. I don’t believe in being housebound for a week – the worst your child can do is soil himself or herself. So what?! As long as you have a change of clothes, lots of wipes and you aren’t too far from home, you will survive, I promise.
Tell your child in advance what you are going to do – teach them to use the toilet like a big boy/big girl. Keep telling them daily and make it exciting. Take them shopping for pants or knickers and let them choose the ones they want.
On the day, remove the nappy and keep it OFF. Tell your child that they are wearing special big girl/boy pants now and as they are Thomas or Bob the Builder or Barbie they want to try their best to keep them clean so if they need to do a wee or poo, tell mummy.
Take them to the toilet or potty regularly (every half hour or so to start). I personally think they should go straight to the loo (you only then have to transfer them from potty to loo so you may as well start with the toilet). Buy a soft padded seat so it’s comfortable and small enough for them and have one upstairs and one downstairs if you live in a house. Remember, boys need a slightly different seat, one with a shield at the front so they don’t spray everywhere, girls can use both types.
Use a small step so that they can easily get onto the toilet and also wash their hands at the sink. You may want to put a picture of how to wash your hands next to the sink too – so they know what to do (show them too, obviously!)
When they are on the toilet, sit with them for a few minutes, tell them to try to do a wee or a poo and distract them with a book or some bubbles. If they manage to do one lots of praise and if not, try again in half an hour.
If they then wee on the floor, don’t get cross, clear it up (good old 1001 carpet cleaner is great) tell them they got Bob or Barbie or Thomas dirty so you need to change them and try again an hour later.
You WILL have accidents especially in the first week. However, keeping a chart will show you whether they are getting the idea or not. Normally by day 3 they are getting some idea. If by day 4 they don’t get it at all – STOP. Try again about 6 weeks later.
Stickers, stars and reward charts work a treat, especially if your child has a good understanding of these methods. Also, put their favourite toy on the toilet and pretend that bunny or doggy or teddy has done a wee – children love the idea of role play.
Some other things to bear in mind, never train when there is upheaval at home (new baby, new house, divorce). Keep a spare set of clothes, plastic bags and wipes in the car – particularly socks! Always take your child to the loo (whatever age!) before you go out. All toddlers learn to use the toilet eventually so keep calm and let it happen when he or she is ready!
My nursery, Shannon ChildCare helps with toilet training as well – this gives parents extra re-assurance that their child will be trained quickly and effectively!