TOILET TRAINING “Triumph!”
“Readiness”:

We don’t teach algebra in kindergarten because 5 year olds aren’t ready. So how do you know when your child is “ready” for training? To begin training, several of the following “Readiness Signs” should be present:
-
Produces regular,
soft, formed bowel movements
Pulls pants up and
down
Imitates bathroom
uses of others
Uses words for urine
and stool
Understands and
follows verbal instruction.
Desires Independence
Can remain “dry” for
at least 3 or 4 hours at a time.
Anticipates need to
eliminate.
Puts some possessions
in their proper locations
Physically or
verbally acknowledges that bowel movement is happening.
Using a Potty-Seat/Toilet
-
Assist your child if
needed to use the bathroom several times throughout the day.
Encourage your child
to use the bathroom at regular, set times throughout the day (e.g., when waking
up, before leaving the home, before meals, before naps, before bedtime, etc).
Instruct your child
to let you know when a bathroom is needed.
Make sure your child
knows the location of the bathroom when in unfamiliar settings.
Dress your child in
clothes that are easy to remove (e.g., no belts, no overalls).
Look for signals that
your child needs to use the bathroom, such as crossing legs, fidgeting. Direct
Your child to the bathroom. Fade away any prompts as your child begins to
independently go to the toilet alone.
DO:
-
Provide a stable
place for your child’s feet (to increase feelings of control).
Prompt “toilet
sitting” frequently through the day (without pressuring for a “product”)
Make sure your child
is ready (see above checklist).
Coordinate a
philosophy and plan with all people involved (spouse, caregivers, school).
Recognize that
training could be a lengthy process.
Praise, praise,
praise (also use charts, stickers, etc.).
Ensure sufficient
fiber intake if bowel movement withholding occurs.
Consult Pediatrician
as needed.
DON’T:
-
Don’t start when
many other changes are happening (e.g., new baby, moving to new home).
Don’t pressure your
child (there is no evidence that pressuring helps training progress more
quickly and pressuring your child will likely strain your relationship).
Don’t get upset about
what others say (even if your mother tells you that you were toilet trained at
your 1st birthday party!).
Don’t punish your
child for accidents (most kids have accidents for up to 6 months after being
trained! 12 % of kids wet the bed after the age of 5!).