A step by step guide to toilet-training
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Summer is the perfect time to train your little one to use the toilet. It’s usually a stress-free time for your child (no school!) and it’s warm, so they’re naturally wearing fewer clothes that might impede a sudden rush to the bathroom but there are a few things to consider before toilet-training.
Parents should consider that healthy children often aren't physically and emotionally ready to start using a potty until they are between 18 months and three years old. Boys tend to be ready a few months later than girls. Most parents start the training when their children are between two years and three years old, an age where most children will be able to vocalise or articulate their needs and should also be able to follow simple one-step instructions without difficulty, such as “Come here,” and “Sit down.” If you have trouble getting your little one to listen on a regular basis, first meet with a physician or a paediatric psychologist to address behaviour management issues. In addition to this, children should be capable of pulling their pants up and down, either independently or with minimal assistance (depending on the clothing).
Are you ready for it?
Make sure there are no stressful events taking place or coming up in the near future (e.g. moving house, changing of caretakers). Ensure you are ready to commit to this transition and will have the time to be consistent and patient with your child. Make sure everyone in the home (including domestic helpers, nannies and grandparents) understands the plan fully and knows what to do when accidents happen.
What you need to do:
Purchase a potty-chair, stool (or toilet seat adapter) so your child’s feet touch the floor for support and any stickers or stamps you plan to use for a reward. Cheerios optional (see below).
If you think your child is ready, let’s get started:
1. What is a toilet?
Children need to understand the concept of what the toilet is used for. You can teach this by modelling or reading books to your child about going to the toilet.
2. Train in short sessions
The book Potty Training Boys the Easy Way: Helping Your Son Learn Quickly – Even if He’s a Late Starter by Caroline Fertleman and Simon Cove suggests starting off with potty training sessions. This means training your child in the morning and afternoon for a few hours at home. Let them eat, drink and play as normal, but every 15 minutes put them on the potty. At the end of a session, then put a diaper or pull-up and go on with your day. When you get home, have another session. On the third day, go for an all-day session. If you leave the house, have a spare potty in the car or visit places you’re sure have public restrooms.
3. Try naked time
Let your child go naked at home for the toilet-training week - remember to turn off your AC and open the windows to let the air circulate; you don’t want your little one catching a chill! Because they’re not wearing a diaper or underwear, they’ll have no place to put their pee or poop; the needs to put it somewhere—in the toilet would be a good idea! When they do go in the potty, make sure you both have a look - this helps to make a visual connection of their bodily process. Make flushing a big deal by pointing at the swirling water and acknowledging the cool whooshing sound.
4. Give a reward (and get creative!)
Stickers, stamps on the hand and bubbles are all good potty prizes. I’m not an advocate of giving candy as a prize because it sends the wrong reward signals - especially if you’re trying to keep your child away from sugar. If you don’t want to spend money, look around your house for an art project you can do together and display it so they can show off their “prize”. It is important to toilet train children in big kid underwear/training pants. Having your child pick out new underpants can make this process more fun and something to look forward to.
5. Throw a Cheerio in the bowl
For boys, this one is especially good for getting them to aim and pee in the right place (the bowl as opposed to the seat).
6. You’re the best!
Each time your child uses the potty correctly, praise them. Ask relatives to fuss over them too.
This works because internalized rewards build self-esteem and kids relish attention more than any toy. But avoid going overboard because when your child has an accident, he may be deflated by the lack of support. Tell him that accidents happen and keep your voice and tone light, breezy and unfazed. If they hear frustration or upset in your voice, this may stress them out that they learn to worry or fear the toilet. Remember that it’s perfectly normal to have accidents - it’s an expected part of the process!
7. Be prepared!
Always carry wipes, tissues and spare clothes to store in your bag, car and in your child’s cubby at school. Buy a few cheap pairs of pants so you always have a clean set when you need them.
8. Limit drinks at bedtime
Lay off the liquids at least an hour before bedtime to help your child stay dry at night. They’re more likely to stay dry through the night if there are fewer liquids inside them! That might mean you serve a later dinner so your child’s full and doesn’t need more food and drinks right before bed or making sure of one last trip to the toilet after they brush their teeth. Remember, nighttime training often comes later than daytime training; you might want to focus on one at a time so you don’t overwhelm your little one. It’s fine for them to start off sleeping and napping in a pull-up.
9. First full day?
Have your child sit regularly on the potty throughout the day to provide lots of chances for them to use it properly. Ask your child routinely if they need to “go to the potty/toilet.” Rinse and repeat!
Remember, it is imperative for you to stay calm and be patient during the process. Learning any new skill takes time, practice and encouragement!
Do you know why it's good, even essential, to let your kids be bored this summer? It develops their character, creativity and skills set in order to prepare them for adulthood. Read all about it here written by our Hong Kong Playgroup Specialist!
➡【Join our Mighty Oaks family!/ 快來加入奧恩大家庭】
➡【 Sign up for Acorn Trial Class now!/Acorn 試堂優惠】
Parents should consider that healthy children often aren't physically and emotionally ready to start using a potty until they are between 18 months and three years old. Boys tend to be ready a few months later than girls. Most parents start the training when their children are between two years and three years old, an age where most children will be able to vocalise or articulate their needs and should also be able to follow simple one-step instructions without difficulty, such as “Come here,” and “Sit down.” If you have trouble getting your little one to listen on a regular basis, first meet with a physician or a paediatric psychologist to address behaviour management issues. In addition to this, children should be capable of pulling their pants up and down, either independently or with minimal assistance (depending on the clothing).
Are you ready for it?
Make sure there are no stressful events taking place or coming up in the near future (e.g. moving house, changing of caretakers). Ensure you are ready to commit to this transition and will have the time to be consistent and patient with your child. Make sure everyone in the home (including domestic helpers, nannies and grandparents) understands the plan fully and knows what to do when accidents happen.
What you need to do:
Purchase a potty-chair, stool (or toilet seat adapter) so your child’s feet touch the floor for support and any stickers or stamps you plan to use for a reward. Cheerios optional (see below).
If you think your child is ready, let’s get started:
1. What is a toilet?
Children need to understand the concept of what the toilet is used for. You can teach this by modelling or reading books to your child about going to the toilet.
2. Train in short sessions
The book Potty Training Boys the Easy Way: Helping Your Son Learn Quickly – Even if He’s a Late Starter by Caroline Fertleman and Simon Cove suggests starting off with potty training sessions. This means training your child in the morning and afternoon for a few hours at home. Let them eat, drink and play as normal, but every 15 minutes put them on the potty. At the end of a session, then put a diaper or pull-up and go on with your day. When you get home, have another session. On the third day, go for an all-day session. If you leave the house, have a spare potty in the car or visit places you’re sure have public restrooms.
3. Try naked time
Let your child go naked at home for the toilet-training week - remember to turn off your AC and open the windows to let the air circulate; you don’t want your little one catching a chill! Because they’re not wearing a diaper or underwear, they’ll have no place to put their pee or poop; the needs to put it somewhere—in the toilet would be a good idea! When they do go in the potty, make sure you both have a look - this helps to make a visual connection of their bodily process. Make flushing a big deal by pointing at the swirling water and acknowledging the cool whooshing sound.
4. Give a reward (and get creative!)
Stickers, stamps on the hand and bubbles are all good potty prizes. I’m not an advocate of giving candy as a prize because it sends the wrong reward signals - especially if you’re trying to keep your child away from sugar. If you don’t want to spend money, look around your house for an art project you can do together and display it so they can show off their “prize”. It is important to toilet train children in big kid underwear/training pants. Having your child pick out new underpants can make this process more fun and something to look forward to.
5. Throw a Cheerio in the bowl
For boys, this one is especially good for getting them to aim and pee in the right place (the bowl as opposed to the seat).
6. You’re the best!
Each time your child uses the potty correctly, praise them. Ask relatives to fuss over them too.
This works because internalized rewards build self-esteem and kids relish attention more than any toy. But avoid going overboard because when your child has an accident, he may be deflated by the lack of support. Tell him that accidents happen and keep your voice and tone light, breezy and unfazed. If they hear frustration or upset in your voice, this may stress them out that they learn to worry or fear the toilet. Remember that it’s perfectly normal to have accidents - it’s an expected part of the process!
7. Be prepared!
Always carry wipes, tissues and spare clothes to store in your bag, car and in your child’s cubby at school. Buy a few cheap pairs of pants so you always have a clean set when you need them.
8. Limit drinks at bedtime
Lay off the liquids at least an hour before bedtime to help your child stay dry at night. They’re more likely to stay dry through the night if there are fewer liquids inside them! That might mean you serve a later dinner so your child’s full and doesn’t need more food and drinks right before bed or making sure of one last trip to the toilet after they brush their teeth. Remember, nighttime training often comes later than daytime training; you might want to focus on one at a time so you don’t overwhelm your little one. It’s fine for them to start off sleeping and napping in a pull-up.
9. First full day?
Have your child sit regularly on the potty throughout the day to provide lots of chances for them to use it properly. Ask your child routinely if they need to “go to the potty/toilet.” Rinse and repeat!
Remember, it is imperative for you to stay calm and be patient during the process. Learning any new skill takes time, practice and encouragement!
Do you know why it's good, even essential, to let your kids be bored this summer? It develops their character, creativity and skills set in order to prepare them for adulthood. Read all about it here written by our Hong Kong Playgroup Specialist!
➡【Join our Mighty Oaks family!/ 快來加入奧恩大家庭】
➡【 Sign up for Acorn Trial Class now!/Acorn 試堂優惠】
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