Hooray! So, you’re child has begun the journey of toilet learning. This is a very exciting time, but it can also be quite frustrating. Don’t get discouraged.
If your child does some of the following, she may be ready for potty training:
- follows simple directions,
- sits upright for five minutes or more,
- stays dry for two hours or more,
- answers yes or no questions,
- tells you when she is wet or had bowel movement,
- expresses discomfort when wearing wet or soiled diapers,
- undresses with little or no help,
- sits on the potty,
- imitates others,
- feels comfortable with caregivers,
- shows pride in learning new skills,
- has caregivers ready to devote time and attention to potty training,
- has caregivers that are well informed.
Here’s what to expect:
- accidents (please have lots of changes of clothes!),
- refusal to go potty,
- varying time frames of mastery (your child may learn quickly or may take longer, it’s okay either way),
- set-backs (don’t get discouraged!),
- more time needed to learn about bowel movements, and sleeping times.
Use these quick tips when you’re ready start potty training:
- keep toilet learning a positive experience,
- have a routine or pay attention to when your child is going potty so you can make sure he is going before having an accident,
- let him observe you in the bathroom,
- be consistent, use the same words when referring to your child going potty and let the teachers know what those words are,
- early on, take your child to the bathroom frequently, every 30-60 minutes and gradually less often,
- don’t get discouraged when things aren’t going like you thought they would.
If your child is enrolled at SonShine Learning Center, we are so excited to begin this journey with you and your child when the time right!
Each child is different and so we treat each toilet learning experience differently.
We are happy to work with you and your child to make sure that toilet learning is consistent between home and school. We recommend toilet learning when signs of readiness are present.
Children shouldn’t be forced to sit on the potty and should absolutely never be punished or shamed in anyway for accidents.
Toilet learning should be a positive experience for all children.
Happy toileting!