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Before you start.
We only ever started toilet training when our children were ready. If a child is not ready then you are basically banging your head against a wall. You can always give it a go but if you find that your child just doesnt comprehend what is going on or just will not participate, then maybe you should try again at a later date. We had several go's with our first 2 children as it was identified that they were just not ready. Our son would go to the toilet successfully then go backwards by what was said from other people if he had an accident. He would then cry and scream when the toilet was even mentioned. A child is most likely ready when the can identfy a poo or wee and tell you when they have done on in their nappy.
It is very important to discuss the toilet or potty before you start usising it. Talk to your little one about what it is and what it is used for. Some children are scared about using a potty or toilet. My kids didnt like to use a potty while at home as they liked to use the toilet like mummy and daddy. Before our son started toilet training, daddy would take him to the toilet and get him to practice weeing in the toilet like daddy. He found this fun and exciting as this was something that he could do just like daddy.
My little girl would go to the toilet and ask questions about what I was doing, I would explain that I was doing a wee. She would then get on and pretend to go.
We fond that using a toilet seat with a little ladder attached was the best for our little ons as it has handles on the side which they could hang on to. This made them feel safe.
The first week
No more nappies. I know this sounds a bit dawnting as there are bound to be accidents. I guarentee that most chldren will have accidents in the first week. To minimise the mess you could try cloth nappy pants which have a bit of padding in them. The padding helps to absorb some of the wetness. To minimise the mess of poo, you could try a nappy liner inserted inside the training pants. I use panty liners for when we were out as if there was a wee or poo, the liner would absorb the mess. A change of pants is still needed but at least it does not mess the car or make a puddle in a supermarket.
It is very important for child to feel that they are wet and a nappy absorbs to much of the liquid, so it defeats the purpose. I would recommend night time nappy pants for bed. These do absorb the liquid but pull up and look like pants so the lttle one still feels like a big boy or girl. I also ensure that the mattress is protected with a plastic cover underneath the sheet. This is great if your little one has a day time nap with undies or training pants on.
Put your little Miss or Mr on the toilet the minute they wake up. Most children need the toilet as this time and it provides a win for the start of the day. Until your child is teling you everytime they need the toilet, I wold suggest putting them on the toilet every 20 minutes. This minimises the amount of wet pants.
Reward success on the toilet. Little treats like stickers or stamps on a chart is very exciting to a little one. I always celebrate with a 'high five' after each successful toilet trip. My kids feel so proud and are happy to give all family members a high five after success.
Dont be upset or mad if they have an accident. My children are very sensitive and would get very distressed if they were evry roused on. Having my son being toilet trained by others while I was at work was very hard as each person has their own way of dealing with accidents. Each time he got upset from others reactions would result in him having accidents for days and not one success. He would then cry and scream becuase he wet his pants and thought that he would get in trouble at home. We found that possitive re-enforcement was the best technique for us.
Make toilet time fun
Singing while on the toilet is one of the ways that would keep my kiddies occupied so that they would sit there. Books and toys would also work to make toilet time fun. Some children are just happy to go and then get their reward at the end.
Dont make them sit there for too long. This just makes toilet time boring,especially if they do not do anything. I remember sittiwith my daughter for 2 hours determined that she was going to go. After no success, I took her off the toilet, pulled up her pants and the minute we walked away from the toilet she went in her pants. I think this experience was more destressing for me then it was for her. I learnt my lesson, if she has something to do then she will do it but if not I take her off and try again later.