Toilet training
As summer approaches toilet training becomes important for parents and their little ones who are eager to shed nappies and join the ‘big’ girls and boys. Dr John Irvine, child psychologist’s top 10 toilet training tips for toddlers are; 1. Remember there is no one right way or time – every child is different. 2. Different children, even in the same family, often learn in different ways – some very private, some suddenly, some start and stop and start, some very public. 3. The age at which children become toilet trained is generally no indicator of intelligence, school potential or parental competence. 4. Read the signs of readiness rather than the age of expectations and be encouraged by progress. I. Showing an interest by wanting to watch mum or dad. II. Knowing the bathroom/toilet is the place for bowel and bladder downloads. III. Asking questions about the process IV. Stopping activity and going quiet V. Squatting and/or reddening VI. Maybe moving off to a secret spot VII. Asking for the nappy to be on. VIII. Asking for a nappy to be changed IX. Wanting to go, quick, but not quite making it X. Some successes 5. Take it easy. Some parents find the less they stress the easier the kids learn. 6. Praise success – encouragement for any success does lift their motivation. 7. Have regular but not rigid routines – so that their system functions well and gets to know the routine. 8. Good bowels are all about good fibre, fluids and food … not bribes, bullying and bargaining. 9. Keep the process natural and low key – don’t let the family focus on faeces. 10. Don’t fuss – fussiness leads to sphincter muscle tension which leads to constipation, accidents, impacted faeces and toilet avoidance. No normal child is still in nappies at big school, they will grow out of it, so try not to spin your wheels unnecessarily. Summer is the perfect time to toilet train as the weather is warmer so children can wear less clothing around the home, which are easy to remove when they need to use the toilet/potty. 1 CommentFeedAdd Comment |
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Sunday, 02 May 2010