Potty training the easy way
These days, it's usually between two and three when parents start thinking about potty training but toddlers seem to vary wildly in terms of how quickly and easily they make the transition - as such it's something which I get asked about at Mini Ps a lot!
What's this all about?
I think it's useful to break down potty training into 3 key areas - essentially in order to potty train, your child will need to be able to:
1. Recognise that they need to use their potty
2. Be able to ‘hold on' until they get to their potty
3. Deal with their clothing - i.e. pull their trousers/leggings/tights plus their underwear down in order to use their potty
It's probably worth highlighting at this point, that whilst I keep referencing ‘potties' some toddlers prefer to go straight to using the toilet and skip the potty stage altogether. As with everything childcare related - there's no wrong or right way - whatever suits your child is best, is undoubtedly the best solution!
How should you handle it?
Before you begin trying to potty train your toddler consider whether or not they are really ready - you can always leave it for a few weeks or even months if you're not sure that they‘re ‘there‘ yet. Children develop at different rates, it's really nothing to worry about.
If you do decide that they are ready, a good way to start is by choosing a potty with your child. Talk to them about what it's for, and encourage them to get used to sitting on it - if your child often goes to the toilet at a particular time of day it's a great idea to get them to sit on it then.
Early on in potty training it's also a good idea to ask your child if they need to go to the toilet fairly regularly - this will get them used to thinking about going to the toilet, and also help them to recognise when they need to go.
Perhaps most importantly, remember to focus on the positives and give lots of praise when your child uses their potty. Accidents will happen, and although it can be frustrating at times - particularly when a little accident happens just two minutes after your little one assured you that they didn't need to go to the toilet - try to keep your cool.
It can be upsetting for your child, so just clean them up and tell them not to worry about it, and that you're sure they'll make it to their potty next time. Encouragement and support really are key here - as if your child becomes anxious about the process, accidents are more likely to happen.
Top Tips for Potty Training
- Consider your child's clothing - in the early stages, ‘holding on' can be tricky, so make sure your child's clothes are easy to take off so they can get on the potty quickly if they need to.
- Aim to start potty training at a non-stressful time - i.e. when there are no other ‘big' things happening - e.g. a house move, a new baby, a new nursery, etc. One ‘big' thing at a time is quite enough for a toddler to deal with!
- Consider creating a reward chart and give out a sticker every time your child uses their party - they can then see how they've been getting on. Ÿ If it all gets too stressful and your child seems to be struggling, stop. You can always try again at a later date.
Play & Pretend
Potty training can be stressful so lots of games and fun (especially in the bathroom) are a good idea. One we play at Mini Ps is also great for improving your child's coordination - Blowing Bubbles.
