|
Toilet Training: Where Do We Begin? |
I have had many parents come to me with worried faces and ask “What about potty training?” This does not have to be such an unpleasant task. Parents should look at it as a milestone in their child’s development. I think many adults never realize what a task it is for the young toddler to learn the process his/her self. Not only does it take time for them to learn to relax the muscle to allow them to use the toilet, but it is an incredibly difficult job for them to learn how to put on a pair of underpants. The process is simple for us, but when you analyze all the movements your child has to master in figuring out which way they go, then putting the legs through the correct holes, standing up to pull them up, and then finally figuring out the part in the back that always gets stuck, you can begin to realize what a marvelous brain exercise underpants are! It demands that the child use depth perception and analytical skills to coordinate their whole body as well as a considerable degree of equilibrium and muscular strength. What an accomplishment!
Below is a method that many of our parents have tried and have been extremely successful:
- Tell your child that he/she no longer needs diapers and that the diapers need to be thrown away. Have the child assist you in this process – they will like it. (Put a clean trash liner in the can so that you are not wasting the diapers).
- Take your child to the store and allow them to pick out their own underpants. They will want the ones with characters on them, but they will be more successful with the thick, cotton underpants.
- Your child should have access to his/her underpants in a low drawer.
- You will need to figure out the timing your child generally has for using the toilet and ensure that your child has a routine at home so that they are reminded to use the toilet regularly and at the same time.
- Allow them to drink as much as they like. This will allow for more practice.
- Accidents are good for the toilet training process. However, you do not want to use the word accident with your child. Instead say, “I see you wet your underpants. That feels uncomfortable doesn’t it? You can go to your room and get some dry ones on. I’ll help you.”
- Involve them in the clean up process. Here they take off their own wet underpants and put them in the laundry. Have your child bring all needed items for clean-up (wet wipes, cleaning spray, etc.).
- A plastic bag can sit in the car seat to protect it if your child wets.
- NO PULL-UPS.
- Purchase a plastic cover to go over the bed at night. Yes, it might take a few accidents for your child to learn not to wet the bed in the middle of the night. It is inconvenient for you and will disrupt your sleep, but it is best to allow your child to master toilet training in the night, rather than allowing them to continue to urinate on themselves in a diaper or a pull-up. It is a contradiction and it will confuse your child.
Eventually you will need to take this “leap of faith.” Your child will let you know if he or she is ready. Try this method and, if it doesn’t work, then you are not ready to toilet train your child you are not being consistent in toilet training your child. The moments of triumph you will witness are well worth a few wet pairs of underpants. Don’t give up!!
GOOD LUCK,
Stephanie Michielsen
|
Parenting Resources