Toilet training is the process of teaching a child to recognize their body's signals for using the toilet and to use the toilet correctly.
Once a child has bladder and bowel control and knows how to use the toilet, they need to be willing to use it. There's no right age to start toilet training, but children usually show signs of bladder and bowel control between 18 and 24 months. The average age for toilet training is 27 months.
Toileting Training Involves:
-Recognizing body signals
-Teaching a child to understand when their body is telling them to urinate or have a bowel movement
-Using the toilet
-Teaching a child how to use the toilet, including sitting or standing comfortably, pulling down and up their pants, and flushing
-Being willing to use the toilet
Why is Toileting Important?
Toilet training is a significant developmental milestone in a child’s life and each child is unique in their own development, growth, and acquisition of personal hygiene skills. Through the early childhood years, a child will be able to demonstrate the following personal care and hygiene skills such as:
-Growing independence in using personal hygiene skills (e.g., washing hands, brushing teeth, toileting, etc.)
-Exhibiting self-help skills when dressing, cleaning up, participating in meals, etc.
-Recognizing and communicating the need to use the restroom or when experiencing symptoms of hunger or illness
Toilet Training Tips for Families
Toilet training is an important milestone in a child's development, and the process can be challenging but rewarding for both the child and the parents. Here are some helpful tips for parents to successfully navigate this stage:
1. Look for Readiness Signs
Physical readiness: Children should be able to stay dry for extended periods, have regular bowel movements, and be able to pull their pants up and down.
Cognitive readiness: They should show interest in using the toilet or be curious when they see others do it.
Emotional readiness: The child may show signs of wanting to gain independence, like wanting to do things on their own or showing discomfort in dirty diapers.
2. Establish a Routine
Begin introducing the toilet around age 2, but don’t rush. Make sure your child is comfortable with the idea.
Set regular times to encourage potty trips, such as after meals or before bed.
Be consistent, but flexible. If they’re resisting, take a break and try again in a few weeks.
3. Choose the Right Equipment
Potty chair or seat: Let your child pick out a potty chair or seat with you. This gives them a sense of ownership and excitement.
Step stool: If using a regular toilet, ensure they can reach comfortably with a step stool.
4. Demonstrate and Explain
Show them how to use the potty, either by demonstrating or explaining simply how it works. You can even use dolls or characters to model the behavior.
Make sure they know the difference between wiping front-to-back (for girls) and washing hands after.
5. Use Positive Reinforcement
Praise and encourage them every time they try or succeed at using the toilet. Verbal praise or small rewards (stickers, extra playtime) can motivate them.
Avoid punishment or negative reactions for accidents. These are normal and part of the learning process.
6. Be Patient and Calm
Potty training can take time. Some children may be trained in a few weeks, while others may take months.
If accidents happen, stay calm. Help your child clean up and explain it’s part of learning.
7. Dress Them in Easy-to-Remove Clothes
Choose clothes that your child can easily remove themselves. Avoid clothes with complicated fastenings or tight waistbands that could frustrate them in a rush.
8. Encourage Proper Hygiene
Teach your child to wipe properly, wash their hands thoroughly, and flush the toilet after each use.
If your child is resisting handwashing, make it a fun activity by letting them choose a favorite soap or sing a song while washing.
9. Use Books and Videos
There are many potty training books and videos that can help children understand the process and make it more fun. Books can introduce concepts in a non-threatening way, and some children enjoy characters going through the potty training journey.
10. Nighttime Training
Nighttime potty training often takes longer than daytime training. Use waterproof mattress covers and consider limiting liquids in the evening.
Be patient if your child is still wetting the bed at night. Nighttime dryness usually takes longer to develop.
11. Know When to Take a Break
If your child is resisting potty training or seems stressed, it may be a good idea to take a break and try again in a few weeks. Forcing the issue can create anxiety and setbacks.
12. Be Consistent Across Caregivers
If your child spends time with caregivers, make sure they are following the same routines and methods. Consistency helps children learn faster and feel more secure.
13. Addressing Fear of the Toilet
Some children may develop a fear of the toilet. You can address this by introducing fun elements, such as letting them pick out toilet paper or stickers, or gradually getting them used to sitting on the toilet with clothes on before moving to the real thing.
14. Celebrate Successes
Celebrate even the small victories with positive reinforcement. Acknowledge their efforts, like pulling their pants up independently or telling you they need to go.
15. Be Prepared for Setbacks
Occasional accidents are normal. Children may regress if they’re stressed, or if there are big life changes like a new sibling, moving, or starting school. Toilet training is a process, and every child progresses at their own pace. The key is to keep a positive attitude, provide consistent encouragement, and be patient as they develop this important skill.