Potty Training Tips
Children will typically show signs that they’re ready to be toilet trained.
Signs of readiness can include:
Interest in visiting the bathroom
Pretending to use toilet paper and flushing
Wanting to observe others using the bathroom
Reporting to a caregiver that they have soiled their diaper
Getting upset when a diaper is soiled
Children typically begin to express these behaviors between 18 months and 3 years.
Your child is learning about their body and the cues it’s giving to them to know when to go. To help encourage this behavior, it’s good to set a routine for potty time.
Consistently encouraging toilet use at established times such as when waking up, before a meal, before leaving the house, and before bedtime, encourages routines. It’s also important to allow the child to initiate potty use; If you see a child who is squirming, wiggling, or grabbing their clothes if they need to use the bathroom is good, but it’s important for children to learn to recognize the cues their body is telling them and to go on their own.
Make toileting easy for toddlers. Dress the child in clothing that can easily and independently be removed and put back on. Go for elastic waistbands and avoid snaps, buttons, and overalls when potty training.
General Potty Training Tips:
Provide a comfortable and calm space
Keep toilet paper within easy reach and provide a stool near the toilet to help the child feel secure and confident.
Address the different noises your child will hear and explain how a toilet works to calm fears.
You can include a favorite book while on the toilet
Talk about the bathroom to reduce fear
Use scented soaps or fresheners to create a fun space
Adapt the toilet or the potty chair/ring as appropriate to help the child feel secure.
Be patient. Children may need to sit for a while, run water, sing a song, or look at a book to help relax and initiate toileting. When in a different bathroom, the time to use the toilet often takes longer because of fears or curiosity about a different environment. You can even post a series of pictures in the bathroom of the tasks they need to complete as a reminder.
They may need assistance on knowing how much toilet paper to use, coaching from parents. A sturdy stool may help adults with hand washing (less strain on you). Facilitating independence on even use of water faucets and access to towels will help their development, with also educating safety for hot/cold water.
Encourage positive behavior. Reward children for their participation with lots of praise. Remember that toileting accidents are part of the learning process.
Resource: https://www.aota.org/Publications-News/ForTheMedia/PressReleases/2015/021815-ToiletTrainingTips.aspx
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