One in four children starting school in September, aren’t trained to use the toilet. That was the statistic I read in a news story last week. And, to be honest, I’m not surprised.
Had my youngest daughter been born three weeks earlier, she’d be going to school this year. And although she’s doing really well at using the toilet and potty, she’s not fully trained yet.
But can we get one thing clear? Despite what the news article insinuates, it’s not down to lazy parenting.
No pressure
We’ve been encouraging her to use the potty and toilet for a while now, but she’s shown no interest. And I know from experience that there’s no point in putting pressure on her or rushing her because that’ll set her back further. She can be a stubborn little madam at times (no idea where she gets it from).
Right now she’s scared of sitting on a ‘normal’ toilet because she’s worried about falling down the loo, which poses a problem when we’re out and about. She also refuses to do number twos on the toilet. But I’m sure that’ll come in time.
I’m relieved that we have another year to nail it before she starts school next year, because I don’t think it’s fair that teachers should have to deal with all that. They have enough to manage teaching 30 four and five year olds, without disrupting lessons to change a nappy or clean up an accident.
Here are my 7 top tips for successful potty or toilet training:
1. Keep a potty handy
It’s a good idea to have more than one potty so there’s always one to hand. And if you go out somewhere, pack the potty in the car if you can, just in case. We’ve also got a toilet training seat at home, so she can use the toilet when she feels like it without feeling like she’s going to fall down the hole.
2. Wear loose clothing or let them run free if possible
Too many buttons or fastenings on clothes can make it hard for them to make it to the toilet in time. Keep clothes loose and easy for them to pull up and down. If it’s not too cold and you have suitable flooring (not carpet), why not let them run around naked when they’re at home? That’ll make it easier for them to get to the toilet in time.
3. Accidents happen
As much as it’s frustrating when they don’t make it to the toilet or potty in time, and you have to do the cleaning up, it’s important not to scold or punish. Just brush it under the carpet (not literally) and encourage them to use the potty or toilet next time. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
4. Have a sing-song
Singing songs while they’re on the potty or toilet can help your little one relax, which will make it easier for them to go to the toilet.
5. Beware of distractions
It’s easy for children to get distracted. When they’re busy doing something, they often put their all into and ignore what’s going on around them. So if your child is busy and distracted, keep asking if they’d like to sit on the toilet or potty.
6. Learn the signs
Look out for any signs and signals that your child needs a wee or poo. For instance, do they wiggle and jiggle when they need a wee? Do they pull a concentrating or straining face when they need a poo? They may also get into a poo routine where they need to go after breakfast or before tea, so keep a watch for any patterns.
7. Use a sticker or reward chart
It’s best to avoid bribery when it comes to toilet training, as this can add pressure and often result in setbacks. Instead, a sticker or reward chart can be a good way to track progress, and puts your child in control of their toilet training journey.
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