Potty training also known as toilet training is the process of training your child to use the toilet for defecation and urination. Normally the training is performed using a small bowl-shaped device commonly known as a potty.
Children become aware of their bowel and bladder functions at different ages, as a result parents should not rush the child through the process in an effort to get them over toilet training.
Most children especially boys do not show consistent signs of bowel / bladder movement until they have attained 18 months .Cultural factors usually plays a major part in determining at what age the training should begin. While some parents begin potty training from 12 months, other wait until the child is 36 months to begin the process.
Parenting experts agree that potty training should be a mutual task. It requires the cooperation, understanding and agreement between the child and the caregiver. Basically the best toilet training techniques emphasizes on positive reinforcement and consistency rather than punishment.
Potty training your child when they have attained 18 months is easier compared to beginning earlier.
At this age the nerves that control urination and defecation have matured which makes it easier for both of you. Here the fundamental principle is to really know and understand your child in order to pick the cues when they are ready.
Let the child choose the potty
Short-legged toddlers will have a hard time using adult toilets that is why it is critical to use a potty. To encourage the child to use the potty, try playing a pick-a-potty game. Begin by taking the child to a store to pick a potty bowl. This is because children are more likely to use what they have chosen.
Place his potty in a convenient place especially close to his play area. To make it easier for the child to use the device, you can even place a sticker chart next to the potty. Every time the child sits on the potty, ensure he gets a sticker.
As you and your child engage in this process, you should know that not all children respond the same to toilet training. Some children resist the training as they do not want any suggestions to change their behavior. While this does not happen very often, if it occurs it is best to respect the wishes of the child but do not give up on toilet training completely. Just give the child some time and then reintroduce the idea.
Assign the child his or her own place
When the child is ready for toilet training, you should assign him a quiet place where he can retreat to sit on the device. Most children develop a desire for order at about 2 years. At this age they prefer to have their own shelves, tables and chairs.
This also means that they will also want to have their own place for potty training.
To help the child understand how to toilet train, place the potty on the floor next to your toilet. Wait for the child to accompany you when you go. Children love imitating adults, so he is likely to sit on the bowl when you sit on yours. If the child is not quick to grasp the idea, place him on his potty chair when you sit on your toilet.
In the beginning the child may approach the potty with his or her clothes on. Just allow the child to sit on the device with the clothes on for a while. Since imitation is a powerful tool, a child will often pull down his pants and sit bare bottom on the potty when he notices his older siblings or parents doing the same.
Remove diapers
Diapers are good as they protect apparel, furnishings and clothes from getting soiled, however if you intend to potty train your child effectively, they will have to go. Diapers usually reduce the ability of the child to become aware of bowel movement. Children learn better how to toilet train when they do not have diapers unlike when they still have them on.
Teach the child the right words for his or her actions
Your child will master the art of using the toilet faster and easier if you teach them to talk about what they are doing. You need to teach your child appropriate words for toilet functions .If you are not comfortable speaking about genitalia or toilet functions, the young child will pick these cues which can negatively impact on their toilet training and sex education in future.
While phrases such as urination and defecation may be difficult, teaching your child simple words such as go pee or poo are much easier. Whenever you pick cues from your child that he/she is wants to use the toilet bowl, you can simply say “let us go potty”. This will help the child to associate the word with the action and ultimately make it easier to toilet training your toddler.
