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Potty training is like learning to drive a car - a nerve wracking experience for the
teacher, but with patience and practice, it eventually happens. Here are our top ten
tips on making potty training as easy as possible:
- Be empathetic. Imagine trying to unlearn an old habit (like giving up smoking) while
learning a new thing at the same time (perhaps a new language). That's exactly what your
child is trying to do. Not easy.
- Do pre-potty training. From the age they can sit on their own, you can put them on
the potty or potty seat so that they get used to the
feel of it. Don't worry if they don't do anything on it - it's simply practice. Also
try to change their nappies frequently so they get used to the feeling of being dry. Read
them books or show them videos about potty training so they are used to the concept.
- Look for tell tale signs of readiness. Most children from 18 months onwards, will start
to show signs that they're getting ready for potty training. Signs include staying dry for
more than two hours or after naps, being uncomfortable in wet/soiled nappies, showing an
interest in the toilet/potty, being able to follow simple instructions or shows an interest
in wearing underwear.
- Choose a good time to start training. Make sure you have at least three days but ideally
a week to ten days where you can stay at home to dedicate to potty training. Don't try to
do it when there's a lot going on, if they're starting at a new nursery or if you're going
on holiday.
- Let them choose and buy some grown up underpants or knickers. Explain that they're a
real treat for big boys/girls and get them excited about wearing them.
- Get started. Simply start the day by taking off their nappy, put them on the potty and
ask them if they want to pee or poo. Always use the same terms for consistency. Approximately
every 20 minutes and particularly after food or drink, take them back to the potty and
repeat the same words. If they manage to do anything in the potty, praise, praise, praise. Get
completely overexcited and go overboard in congratulating them.
- Don't use trainer pants (except for naptimes). Children just confuse them with
nappies. Also, try not to start and stop. If you're going to start, then stick with it
or else it sends conflicting messages.
- If they start to baulk at going to the potty, try using rewards - stickers or stars if they
manage to sit on the potty, and a chocolate button if they actually do something.
- Don't reprimand or shout if they have an accident. Accidents will happen. Most frustratingly,
just when you think they've got it, they're likely to regress and have accidents all over again. Simply
clear up the mess and say: next time, let's go on the potty. They're most likely to have accidents
when they're engrossed in something like tv or playing with a friend.
- Let them wear easy to pull down trousers or skirts, no fancy belts or buckles. Get to know
where all the public toilets are. Invest in a travel potty for emergencies. Consider getting a
book to go over all the detail before you start.
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