Kids & Company Blog

Toilet Training Steps for Success!

After training 8 children, the most important message that I can share, is to be sure that each child feels "ready" and personally interested in the idea of shedding their diapers. As a mother of six boys, there were a number of futile efforts on my part with boys that would prefer to be kicking, throwing, catching a ball etc. - than sitting on a toilet. (So much easier to have your mom/dad change your diaper for you...)

The good news is that they all eventually get there. In my world, both my daughters were trained at 18 months with the average age ‎of the boys being 2.5. One very easy-going little guy really was not at all interested until he was close to 3.

For some, a little push will get them interested and off they go but for others, they need to have the idea be their own. Once you have all decided to start working on this project then the first step is to engage your child's teacher. See below for the Kids & Company Toilet Training Plan!

 

Toilet Training will be initiated at your child’s centre after having a conversation with the Director about the cues or signs that indicate your child’s readiness to start training.  Showing signs of readiness can be anything from interest in the toilet or having knowledge of their bodily functions. Some children are interested in toilet training as early as 18 months while others need to slowly get used to the idea and become more comfortable with the idea of the toilet. Showing interest in toilet training or using the toilet at an earlier age does not mean they will train more quickly. All toilet training takes patience, time and consistency.

We will encourage children to sit on the toilet at every diaper change and encourage parents to do the same at home to create a consistent message for your child. Toilet training can cause anxiety with both parents and children. This is why it is so important to be supportive and never force your child into training by making them sit on the toilet. Forcing a child to do something they don’t want to do almost always has the reverse effect. 

 

Toilet Training Steps for Success:

Step 1	Interest – Shows interest in the toilet, washroom, flushing, toilet paper, putting things into the toilet, taking off/putting on their own clothing, choosing their own clothes, can use “washroom words”. This is a great time to read “potty training’ or “toilet training” books
Step 2	Readiness –  Shows signs of discomfort when having a soiled diaper, asks to be changed, can use washroom words or signals when they have “gone”, has dry diapers for at least 1 hour preferably 2 hour intervals, formed stools, can dress with little assistance
Step 3	Sitting – Before you start with underwear, have your child sit on the toilet at every diaper change for a few weeks. This will help them “schedule” washroom times and understand the relationship between their body and the toilet
Step 4	Preparing – Done during step 3 – Take your child shopping, have them pick out their new “big kid” underwear and a stepping stool if needed, lots of stickers and a chart or calendar. You can also pick up a stop watch, wrist watch or egg timer with an alarm.
Step 5	Toilet Time – it is now time to go for it! Remember this is the tough part the “Tips and Tricks” are going to come in handy. Offer your child two pair of underwear and ask them which they would like to wear, make sure you are taking your child to the washroom every hour (this is where the alarm comes in handy)
Step 6	Positive Reinforcement – Make sure you are praising the effort even if nothing happens. A “good try”, high five or “yeah! Still dry!”  really goes a long way to boost confidence and self-esteem. Never get upset or be harsh if there is an accident, this will happen … a lot!
Step 7	Figuring It Out! – Remain consistent and positive and your child will figure it out. They will figure out the relationship between their body and the toilet… Remember this can take time and lots of clothing and laundry!

 

Posted on: Friday April 25th, 2014

Posted by: Victoria Sopik