Toilet Training Your Child
What a baffling time this can be for both parent and baby or
toddler. How do you make your child understand they no
longer go to the toilet in their nappy and that we would
prefer they use their potty or toilet instead! With so many
different tips and ideas on how to toilet train your little
one, available to us, how do you decide which ones work
best. So we have put together some tips for you on what has
worked best in our experience.
Firstly it's a great idea to let your little one familiarize
themselves with the potty. Don't be worried when they prefer
to wear the potty on their heads as opposed to sitting on
it, most children will play with their potty before
realizing what it is for. Let them sit on the potty fully
clothed to begin with and explain to them what it is for.
Then if your child is regular with their bowel movements,
try removing their nappy and sitting them on the potty at
these times.
Repetition and routine is one of the best ways for your
child to learn, so remember to ask them throughout the day
if they would like to use the potty. This way, they might
stop to think as opposed to just letting it happen. However,
children do not have a long attention span so don't expect
them to sit there until something happens. If something does
happen--that's fantastic, if not don't stress just try again
later--don't under any circumstances make it unpleasant for
your little one as they won't want to sit on the potty again
if they don't like it!
Another alternative is allow your child to run around
without any nappy on. This way they can learn to recognize
the sensation of going to the toilet a lot faster. However,
be prepared to initially mop up a lot of accidents. Keep the
potty near where the child is playing, so that when they
need to go, it is right there for them to sit on. Then as
they progress slowly move the potty away until eventually
they learn to control their bladder or bowels until they
reach the bathroom.
Always remember, if they do use the potty, make a huge fuss
of rewarding them and tell them how great it is that they've
gone to the toilet in the potty instead of their nappy!
Never scold your child when they have an accident. Accidents
do happen. Scolding them and making them feel bad will
probably make them regress more as opposed to trying harder
next time!
It is possible to toilet train your baby when they are born
and there are many parents out there who have been
successful with it, however the most popular time seems to
be when your child turns 18 months. No matter what age your
child is, persistence and patience are definitely the answer
to a successful outcome!
About the Author
As well as being a fulltime Mother, Monique is a partner in Bella Creations, an online gift shop specialising in unique gift arrangements & individual gift products for Men, Women & Babies. To view her gift range, log on at Baby Gifts Australia.
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