Potty Training is something that all parents dread and knowing where to start is one of the most common questions I get asked. The one thing that most parents make a mistake with is starting when they are ready rather than starting when the child is ready and my biggest bit of advice is making sure they are showing key signs of readiness.
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The Key signs of readiness
- Being able to understand and comprehend basic instructions is important especially when you start potty training as you will need to give them direction on what they need to do and also communicate back to you when it comes to needing a wee or poo or using the potty or toilet.
- Noticing nappies are dryer during the day which is an indication that their muscles have developed which will lead to few accidents.
- Removing their nappy as they feel uncomfortable when it is wet is a good sign that they are starting to feel the wetness and wanting it removed.
- Recognising when they are actually doing a wee or a poo is a good sign as they are starting to understand their body.
- If your toddler is showing independence i.e. dressing and undressing it shows they are moving onto their next key stage of development and you will often find this really does help potty training as they are keen to do things on their own.
When not to potty train
If you have had a change of circumstances in your home or have moved house.
If they have a new sibling this can be very distracting and make your toddler to revert back to baby stages for the attention.
If your child has just started a new childcare setting this can be very unsettling and change their routine.
If you child has suffered a recent illness.
What Next?
When you have checked your child is showing the correct signs of readiness I am a great believer of getting them involved in the whole process. Take them to choose their own potty and favourite character pants really makes the whole adventure exciting.
Reward System
Every child loves to feel special and to please mummy and daddy and especially when it comes to potty training. Using rewards is a great way to encourage your child to sit on the potty or the toilet, this can be reward chart and stickers or even a magical star box. It is important to reward even if they try and do not perform, sometimes it can be difficult to get them sitting on the potty or the toilet and this needs a little extra encouragement.
Getting everyone involved once you start and keeping it consistent is so important. Speak to your childcare setting or any other carers so you all stick to the same routine.
Do not compare your child to anyone else sometime it takes a little bit of patience and every child will learn this life skill at a different rate.
Potty training guru and children’s behavioural expert Amanda Jenner (www.pottytrainingacademy.co.uk)