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Toilet training

Toilet training

Fewer areas of parenting cause more anxiety and conflict as toilet training. Relax. Like every other area of development, this is one which will happen when your child’s ready for it.

Don’t push too hard!

If you try to push your child too much in this area, it could backfire on you (which would be very unpleasant). If you over-train children in this area you could set them back months, or make them tense and nervous – or prompt a rebellion (sort of a non-sit-down strike).

Forget the myths- toilet training’s not that hard

What’s the right age?

There’s no ‘correct’ age for toilet training, but most parents try around the age of two. By the age of four, 95% of children are trained, 90% are dry in the daytime and 75% are dry at night. Toilet training requires the child to have certain skills (see below).

Signs that your child is ready for toilet training

Dry after naps.
Bowel movements at the same time each day.
Wanting to imitate adult toilet behaviour.
Uses words or grunting to tell you they’ve had a bowel movement (better still, they can tell you beforehand).
They don’t like the feeling of a dirty nappy.
They can undress or pull their own pants down.

Simple steps to potty training

Get a potty the right size – their feet should be able to touch the floor.
Explain what’s happening and what the aim is.
Be positive about the experience, and don’t push them to perform.
Put the child on the potty when you think they’re going to have a movement.
If the child is regular, put them on the potty at the times they are most likely to have a bowel movement.
Show them that the potty is emptied into the toilet and then flushed – let them push the lever for fun.

Toilet training can actually be straightforward and easy – especially if you approach it with the attitude that it will be. There are always going to be ‘accidents’, so be patient and understanding.

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Toilet training

Don’t push too hard!

What’s the right age?

Signs that your child is ready for toilet training

Simple steps to potty training

Development (2 to 4)

Managing behaviour (2 to 4)

Fun and games (2 to 4)

Fever/Pitch! Week 4

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