Toilet training is not as simple as we think it is especially for the first time parents. I can honestly tell you that we have facing the same problem as well. Learning it as theory won’t make us the expert in toilet training our kids but have some knowledge about it no doubt will ease the burden a little if not much.
Most children can do without nappies during day time once they reach 2 – 3 years old while at night between 2-5 years old. This is the right time to start toilet training. If we start too early it will cause pressure to both parents and kids. The child less than 2 years are usually not ready and pressure them won’t help anyone. At this time they are still learning to understand and some of them may have problem communicating.
The first role is to wait till the child is ready. At this time they can indicate that they feel like going to the toilet. Some shows interest to use potty, but some may still feel afraid to use one. Don’t worry, let’s them take their time. It may be a good idea to put a child’s toilet seat for the child to become familiar before we start the toilet training itself. This may reduce their fear.
Picking a good time also is very important to start toilet training. This is the time when the childs can stay at home without using nappy. It is a time when accidents won’t matter. I remember my sister told me that she actually took few days off work just to toilet train her children. Well, do not forget to prepare plenty of clean clothes to be use when necessary.
Keep the potty handy or within reach in the toilet. So, when the child indicate that he/she wishes to go, sit him/her immediately on the toilet. Rewards any good result with a praise. However, if any accidents happen, do not punish the child because this may discourage them. Don’t forget, they might feel upset as much as we do for not be able to performing the task. It is good to ask the child to clean up the mess with you and at the same time advise them to use the potty/toilet next time they wishes to go.
Remember to keep using nappy when out and during sleeping (either at night or day time) untill both parents and child feel confident. Before sleeping at night, make a habit of bringing the child to the toilet first. If possible discourage fluid drink after 8pm. After you get dry nappies few nights in a row, you can try it without nappy. A plastic sheet on the mattress won’t be a bad idea.
Sometimes, the child already achieve control and no more enuresis (bed wetting) or encopresis (soiling)occur. However, during certain time when the child feel very tired or unsettled (whether excited or unhappy), accidents may happen. Do not punish the child. Give enough time and things will be just fine.
