Potty Training 101

In the past 27 years, I have spent A LOT of time in the bathroom! With over 100 children in my care, most of which were/are toddlers, I have never sent a child to kindergarten in diapers. Here is what I have learned over the years:

1. There is no specific age for toilet training. Toilet training can only be

achieved when the child: ⦁ Physically has control over urination and bowel movements ⦁ Is able to communicate the need to eliminate ⦁ Is emotionally ready to train

This usually happens when the child is 2 or 3 years old.

2. This does not mean that on your child's 2nd Birthday, he/she should be trained. Your child will show readiness by:

⦁ Saying "pee" or "poop" as he/she is going ⦁ Showing interest in the bathroom, and toilet (or potty) ⦁ Hiding, grunting, or going away from others to have a bowel movement

⦁ Getting a "funny" look on his/her face when he/she is urinating ⦁ When you sit the child on a potty they eliminate within 5 minutes ⦁ They are happy to sit on the potty (no tears)

3. Parents, Family Members and Caregivers also must be ready. Potty training, needs to be consistent. You shouldn't diligently sit a child on the potty every half hour for a day, then miss a day or two and then start again. All adults must consistently stick with the potty training program all day, every day. If one of the adults involved has a heavy work schedule, is ill, or busy, it is not a good time to start. If there is a vacation or disruption in the child's schedule in the upcoming month, it probably isn't a good time to start. When you decide that it is the right time for you and your child to start the training process, you should clear your schedule for the next couple weeks. Outings, play dates, and other activities, make it difficult to consistently potty train your child. Children need routine and consistency, so that they know what to expect.

4. When a child shows readiness, an adult should encourage the child to sit on the toilet at routine times. All adults need to work closely on the training of the child.

It is also important to note, that a child may say, "pee" or "poop" after they have gone. This doesn't necessarily mean they know ahead of time, that they need to "go". They may be communicating that they feel wet or uncomfortable, and they may not recognize the sensation that they have to eliminate.

At first you may wish to sit the child on the potty/ toilet seat every half hour or at routine times. Within a couple days the child should know, and start asking to "go". If this is not happening, you may just be training yourself to "catch" the elimination most of the time, rather than than training the child.

If a child cries, or seems upset in any way, stop potty training. Potty training should be a positive experience. A child who is not ready now, may in a few weeks, ask to go potty. Let them do it in their own time.

At first children should be "day" trained. This means that a child goes on the potty/toilet all day, but wears diapers/ pull-ups during nap and night time. Expecting a child to get up during their sleep to go to the bathroom, at first may set back the process. Children go into a deep sleep, having accidents at night, may make the child feel bad and may discourage the daytime success. Be patient. They will learn this later, in their own time.

Another helpful tip is to observe how much liquid your child is taking in. A child cannot drink 8oz of water or a smoothie without having to urinate. Make sure your child has enough to drink that they stay hydrated, but don't sabotage their success, by giving them too many liquids.

If a child is unhappy, not interested or doesn't know when they need to use the potty, you may wish to stop at this time. You can always try again at a later date. This will help avoid frustration for you and your child. 5. Make potty training a great experience. Buy your child several pair of cute new underwear with their favourite characters on it. Letting the child pick out the underwear may help him/her to feel involved. Print out or make charts or sticker books to keep track of the child's progress. At first they may receive a sticker for just sitting on the potty. Then after a couple days, they receive a sticker only when he/she actually goes on the potty. Let the child choose the sticker. Small rewards (i.e. a Smartie, a jelly bean or small toy) at first may encourage the child to co-operate. After a couple days, you may wish to eliminate this and offer a "prize" or treat if the child goes all day, without an "accident". Most children forget about the rewards within a short time and no longer require them. Always remember to give a lot of positive attention and praise. Do not get angry if the child makes a mistake. It is important that the child receives positive reinforcement when deserved and acceptance when an accident occurs.

6. If your child shows progress, stick with it. Do not give up! Children often go a week with no accidents, then have accidents for a few days. Little ones often become distracted and need a lot of encouragement to stay on task. Your patience and dedication will help your child to succeed.

Toilet training should be a happy time for children and parents.