You cannot force a child into Potty Training. It is best to wait
till the child himself shows readiness to begin. He must be emotionally prepared and
not show any signs of resistance or fear. Only then potty training will be successful.
When to Begin Potty Training Your Kid?
There is no magic age to start Potty Training. Usual age to
being training is between 18 – 24 months though some may start only by 30
months. Parents have to just have to recognise the readiness signs. But before you
begin, bear in mind that successful Potty Training certain
muscle coordination which is just developing in the child. This is therefore a task that
demands a lot of time and patience.
Every child shows some signs that he is ready to start potty training. Recognising
the willingness is the first step. Children express their readiness in many ways like
- Shows interest in using the toilet
- Tries to imitate adults or older siblings
- Starts having regular bowel movement
- Starts remaining dry for two hour stretch, which means that, his bladder is able
to store urine
- Conveys the need to go to toilet with facial expressions
- Starts displaying the ability to follow simple instructions
- When they start showing these signs it is time to get them a potty
chair
Tips that will help
Adopt a slow pace: Don’t hurry your kid
. Let
him set the pace himself. Parents must remember that every child is different and the
time taken by them to get potty trained varies. Lots of patience is a must. Think of
ways to make
Potty Training enjoyable for you and your kid. Tip:
Learn to recognise readiness signs in the child. Dot rush them.
Do away with diapers gradually: When you begin potty training
you must gradually discontinue using diapers. This will help in reinforcing training.
Make the child wear underwear and pant. Tip: Let them choose their underpants and
pants. That way they will be willing to wear it.
Get a potty chair: Begin the
Potty Training with a child size potty chair. It
would be helpful to use it in the living area and then moving it to the bathroom. This
way the child can use it when he is with the other family members. This will instil a
secure feeling in the child and he will be willing to use the
potty
chair regularly. Tip: Let your child select the potty chair he likes. He will
then use it more often.
Be lavish with praises: Always use a positive tone while training
the child. Never shame, scold or punish him if he has an accident. Praise them
lavishly for every little step they learn. Tip: Keep your attitude positive and be
patient. Accept the fact that potty training is not an overnight job.
Be with the child: Never force the child to
potty
train. Understand that potty training is a complex skill. The child must be
physically, intellectually and psychologically ready to train. If he shows any fear or
resistance to train it would be better to wait. Tip: Invite them to see how you are
using the bathroom. Never stress them. And start potty training only when you are
relaxed and have ample time.
- Common mistakes that parents must avoid
- Never force the child to potty train
- Never start Potty Training when you are busy or tensed
- Never yell at him or punish him for small mistakes
- Never set a deadline
There are no set down rules for potty training. You must continuously improve upon
the basic techniques to develop a comfortable regime for you and your
child. Be consistent and patient and your child will potty train
soon. Also remember to teach him general hygiene during training. He must be
taught to clean himself properly and wash his hands on finishing.
