A Refresher Course On Toilet Training!

Note! If you are just considering beginning the toilet training process, please refer to earlier blogs as well as our parenting book Smart Parent/Smart Child for a very detailed set of plans and directives.

Here are the most common omissions and errors we repeatedly observe.

Do Not

1.Disagree on whether they are ready for the task or on any step/responsibility that is theirs.

2.Contradict your partner once they have given your child a directive or voiced an opinion.

3.Reward them for any steps along the way, i.e. any time they pee in the toilet.

4.Sit and read to them or play a game. Their focus needs to be on the task and their goal should be to complete it as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

5.Plan extended time activities outside the home for the first two weeks.

6.Threaten them with any negative action i.e. taking away a toy, cancelling a plan ect.

7.Use negative terminology when referring to their responsibility.

8.Use the process as a topic of conversation with family and friends. Your child will overhear and probably not understand how the comments relate to them.

9.Forget they are experiencing a learning curve and this is one of the biggest challenges.

Do

1.Remove all items that are “baby” related such as dishes, high chair, toys, books or clothing. If they are still in a crib I have experienced moving them into a bed at the same time but I have seen better results if that move occurs once they are trained. It can be a reward for their mature behavior. That is the only kind of reward that should occur, a bigger cup, bigger cutlery, bigger dish ext. NOT A TOY!

2. Reassure them when they are toilet trained and more independent that you will love them even more!

3.Measurably reduce the amount of liquid provided, especially water. This is challenging especially in hot weather. If you feel water is necessary, give them ½ the usual amount and follow up with a bathroom trip in 20 to 30 minutes. Most children will be unable to control their bladder until they have more experience. Keep juices to a minimum, including fruit, until your child is handling their responsibilities successfully.

4.During colder weather, your child will benefit from a thick training underwear when outdoors. If they are already excited to be wearing themed underwear, they place the thick on under the theme one. Since until now they have been protected from the cold by a diaper, their body may not be able to control their pee when outdoors.

5.Commit to considering their bathroom needs first before planning away from home activities. You want your child to be successful and your consideration will not only help, but will increase their confidence.

6.Decide on some more mature tasks and support items such as letting them chose their new underwear with your guidance. Give them additional tasks that require more responsibility such as helping clean up after meals or feeding the pets.

Respect them throughout the process, set clear expectations with their knowledge.

Good luck!