Potty training: A combination of Timing and Patience

One of the major milestones in a child’s life is potty training. Not only for a child, but also for the parents, it is a big step. Parents should also remember that it is a very time consuming task which also requires lots and lots of patience.
Every child is different in showing the signs of being ready for potty training. One should remember that AGE is not the only factor to be seen in potty training but a child’s physical and behavioral developments play more crucial role. It’s always good that your child adapts a natural way of evacuation but there is no rush. Observe when your child starts giving signs of being ready for toilet training. Most of the children are ready inbetween ages of 18 to 24 months, while others take it to the age of 3 years.

WHEN YOUR CHILD IS READY?
Notice the signs in your child for example when your child:
Stops doing an activity for few moments.
grasps his diaper.
Stays dry for at least 2 hours.
Knows that he has got a wet or a dirty diaper.
Starts telling you that he is peeing.
Goes somewhere quiet to pee or to poo.
Starts telling you that they need to pee.
Start training your child when you can be consistent. Potty training is most effective when you maintain a proper routine. If your child is able to tell you before he needs to pee, or he can sit down and get up from the potty or he has started listening to your instructions , potty training will be quick and less tiring.

GETTING YOUR CHILD READY:
Start using words like potty. Tell them the difference between wee and poo while changing their diapers. Start taking them to bathroom for changing, and washing their hands after change is also a good idea. Start making them sit on potty on and off.

HOW TO BEGIN POTTY TRAINING:
Make your child sit on potty everyday.
Urge them to sit on potty after meals. Give them a book or toy to make them sit on potty for a while.
If the child has a regular time for poo, take their diaper off at that time and encourage them to sit on potty.
Use the potty for wee initially, it will help them poo in it also.
If the child knows that he needs to pee, encourage them to sit on potty or use bathroom. Mop the floor if they don’t do it in the potty and wait for the next time.

Lets break it into simpler steps.

Pick out some words:
Choose and then stick to those words about your your child’s wee and poo. Avoid saying words like stinky, bad, dirty etc.

Make the potty seat ready:
Make it ready to use. Dump the poo in it or in the toilet from diaper, initially to make the child understand. You can also make him flush.

Make the child sit:
Make him sit on potty seat. Start some activity but make him sit a little longer. Get him up if he insists.

Bring it, fast:
When the child showsthe signs bring the potty chair fast to him. Praise him for telling.

Hygiene:
Hygieneof your child is very important.  Parents should not neglect it while teaching their children. Tell them to wash the area properly and after that wash their hands.

Stop using diapers:
After a while, with some successful attempts you can now stop using diapers. Be ready for accidents but don’t get angry. Stay calm as this process it a very important milestone in your child’s life.

And as psychology says, your child’s toilet training can play a crucial part in making his personality.
If your child seems ready but is still having difficulties in toilet training. Seek help from yourchild’s doctor. They will guide you and will check if their is any problem.

In the next blog I will be covering the potty training for nights!