Potty training is the process of teaching children how to use the bathroom like adults, so they no longer need to wear diapers for urination and defecation. This is a crucial habit to establish early in a child's life, as it helps with personal hygiene and encourages independence.
Table of Contents:
I. Signs Your Child Is Ready for Potty Training
1. Create a Comfortable Toilet Environment
3. Show How to Use the Toilet Properly
5. Encourage Proper Toilet Sitting
The ideal age for potty training is around 18 months when a child has typically developed the physical ability to stand unassisted, sit up, and have a regular bowel movement schedule. Their bladder and bowel muscles are also well-developed at this stage.
Some children may not be ready for toilet training until they are 24 months old. This is because they may not have developed the necessary control over their bladder and bowel movements. In this case, the process of toilet training should be approached in stages.
It is also common for girls to learn toilet training more quickly than boys. Children under the age of 24 months may also have limited ability to communicate their need to use the bathroom. This is normal, and it's important to approach the process gradually and with patience.
It's important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, and age is not always a reliable indicator of readiness for toilet training. Instead of focusing on a specific age, it's more important to observe your child's signs of readiness.
Signs Your Child Is Ready for Potty Training
According to the Mayo Clinic, the success of potty training is not solely determined by age, but also by a child's development, behavior, and habits.
In addition to age, you may introduce potty training if your child displays the following signs of readiness:
- Dry diapers for 1-2 hours or when waking up
- Discomfort when wearing a dirty or wet diaper
- Ability to express the need to urinate or defecate
- Request for a change when experiencing discomfort from a dirty or wet diaper
- Regular bowel movements at the same time each day
- Ability to remove pants independently
- Ability to sit comfortably for a while
- Shows interest when seeing a parent or caregiver use the bathroom
How to Teach Children Toilet Training
If parents have observed signs that the child is ready for potty training, there are several ways to teach children the process without causing stress or trauma. Here is an explanation of the steps involved.
1. Create a Comfortable Toilet Environment
To begin the process of toilet training, it's important to make the child feel comfortable using the toilet. This can be done by making the bathroom a welcoming and familiar place. You can explain to your child that they are now big enough to use the toilet instead of diapers.
It can also be helpful to demonstrate how to use the toilet by showing your child the process. For example, you could ask them to help flush the toilet after using it and explain that it is the way to get rid of their waste.
When speaking to your child about toilet training, use simple words that they can easily understand, such as "pee" or "poop".
2. Put on Regular Underpants
As a first step in toilet training, consider taking your child to purchase new Underpants. Allow them to choose their own design and favorite color. This helps to motivate your child to gradually transition from disposable diapers.
When at home, let them move around without wearing diapers, but remind them to inform you or go straight to the toilet if they need to urinate or defecate.
If your child has accidents, don't scold them. Instead, immediately take them to the toilet and teach them how to change out of wet clothing. Encourage them to express their need to use the bathroom so they don't soil their clothing.
3. Show How to Use the Toilet Properly
In addition to introducing the concept, you also need to demonstrate the proper use of the toilet to your child. If you ask them to sit on the toilet right away, they may become confused and upset.
Instead, set a positive example by taking your child to the bathroom with you when you need to use it. Then, sit on the toilet seat and explain what you are doing.
You can help your child understand the steps of using the toilet by explaining the following:
- Show your child how to sit properly on the toilet.
- Teach them how to clean themselves after using the bathroom. This includes wiping their genitals and washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Explain to your child the importance of flushing the toilet every time they use it.
- Teach them the proper way for washing their hands after using the bathroom.
4. Introduce a Potty Chair
If your child has difficulty using a squatting toilet, you can provide a special potty chair for them. Let them know that a potty is a temporary tool for them to use during the potty training process and make potty training more enjoyable for your child by providing them with a colorful and comfortable toilet seat. Consider a seat with a footrest or backrest for added comfort.
Special Considerations for Boys
Boys may find it more challenging to use a toilet seat. You can help by providing a higher seat or teaching them to use an adult toilet with the help of a footstool.
5. Encourage Proper Toilet Sitting
To get your child used to use the toilet, establish a daily routine of having them sit on the toilet for 15-20 minutes after meals and before bedtime. It may take some time for your child to feel comfortable sitting on the toilet but try to distract them with a book or toy to make the experience more enjoyable.
Even if they do not feel the urge to go, this routine can help them become familiar with the signals their body gives them.
6. Establish a Potty Schedule
Another way to support your child's potty training journey is to establish a regular schedule for using the toilet. Encourage your child to use the bathroom every few minutes, before and after eating, after waking up, before bedtime, and during bath time.
This stage of potty training can be challenging for both parents and children. It's important to be patient and sensitive to your child's needs as they begin to recognize when they need to go to the bathroom.
7. Reward System
As a motivator for your child to successfully use the toilet, try implementing a reward system or prize coupons. For example, you can create a board or chart and let your child place a sticker or a star each time they successfully use the toilet. The more stickers or stars they collect, the greater the chance they will receive a reward, such as a new book or a desired toy.
It's important to offer praise and appreciation when your child succeeds. For example, you can say "Great job! You're growing up fast and using the toilet on your own now!" or "Well done, son!"
However, it's important to also supervise your child when using the toilet for safety reasons.
8. Avoid Forcing Your Children
It's important to remember not to force your child to use the toilet. Let them progress at their own pace and be patient with them.
Avoid scolding your child if they still have trouble controlling their urination and bowel movements, as this process takes time to develop. Instead, remind your child of their newfound independence.
Toilet training can be a challenge, but it's important to remain patient and understanding with your child. Don't get frustrated if your child takes time to adjust to this new routine.
Allow your child to progress at their own pace and don't force them to use the toilet if they are not ready.
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