Toilet Training

It ranks alongside that first mouthful of solid food or the first tentative step. The move out of nappies is something most parents eagerly await. But advice from the experts is that it's better not to rush the process.

Professor Frank Oberklaid, from the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, and co-author of Your Child's Health says for toilet training to occur, there has to be willingness and readiness from both parent and child. And he says no matter how long the process, parents have to remain positive and full of praise while being patient when accidents do occur. He says that the less pressure toddlers feel about toilet training the better.

So just what are the signs and steps to take when moving your youngster from nappies to underwear?

The 'ready' signs may range from your child insisting on being changed as soon as his nappy is dirty, to taking more interest in the toilet habits of the family. Remember, there is no hurry and most children will be nor be ready to try until they are at least 18 months to two years of age.

To start, let your child sit on a potty or a toilet with a child seat when he is clothed to get used to how it feels. Later you can suggest he sits on it without a nappy.

Keep your expectations low and let him lead the way. The more a child is pressured the more likely he is to refuse.

Always be encouraging. Any time he does manage to use a potty or toilet he must be praised and told how well he is doing.

After one or two successful trips to the toilet do not assume your toddler is fully toilet trained. He may do well initially, then refuse to use it. The process is likely to take three to six months with many backward steps.

However, do remember that most children will be toilet trained throughout the day by the time they are aged by three to four years and through the night by the time they start school. If your child is older than this, or you feel he is not coping with toilet training seek advice from your local GP or paediatrician.

Tips:
Keep a sense of humour, not only when it comes to toilet training but parenting in general.

Toilet training is very individual for each child so let him set his own pace.

Praise and encouragement are the best strategy to get results.

Toilet training is your child's accomplishment not yours, so share in his pride but recognise it is his own achievement.

Source : Coles Baby Club Magazine Spring 2009