If you’re the parent of a toddler, then you’ve undoubtedly spent a bit of time thinking about how to approach toilet training. Our occupational therapist, Vicki Tomkins has compiled some helpful, science-based tips to help get you started and take out some of the guesswork around toilet training.
Generally toilet training readiness begins from 2 years onwards.
Decide if you want to teach your child to use a potty or the toilet
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Potty |
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Toilet |
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It is normal and to be expected that your child will wee and poo in his/her pants at first. Don’t comment or get mad at your child. Just clean it up without fuss. If possible empty poo from pants into the toilet saying, “poo goes in the toilet”.
…Reading books (before and during the process) helped normalise it for him.
Don’t worry, they all eventually figure it out! Be realistic- lately I give myself permission to put him in nappies after 2 accidents.
I started with just letting her sit whenever I went to the toilet…
What has been working is frequently offering for her to go but letting her say ‘no’…
We give a sticker every time he sits to try for wees and poos on the potty.
If you’d like tailored advice about toilet training for your child, our occupational therapists can help. You can get in touch with us here