As far as when to start potty training, patience is usually rewarded. Instead of succumbing to demands from friends or relatives to jump-start the process too early, or have your child potty trained by a certain age or deadline, most parents discover that the best option is to wait until their child shows signs of readiness.
Your child may be ready to begin potty training if he or she shows any of the following:
Explain why you are carrying out nappy changes with your child as you go, so they understand wee and poo and what a wet diaper implies. Children will learn that the bathroom is where people go to the toilet if you always change their diapers in the bathroom when you are at home. If you can get them involved in cleaning up after themselves, that's even better.
Let your child see a potty and explain its purpose. Learning takes place as a result of observation and you'll be able to show your smaller child how it works if you have an older child. While using the toilet, describe what you are doing to your child.
Potty training can be made easier by using your child's toys to demonstrate what the potty is all about. The potty could be used to check if your child is willing to sit on it for a few seconds to get accustomed to it when you're changing their diaper or getting them ready for bed.
For many parents, toilet training is a significant milestone, but take comfort in the fact that you've already built the groundwork, and now it's time to start putting that potty to use.
You can use disposable potty seats which is a good choice for your child while he or she is just learning.
Sometimes, it’s possible for him to playfully pull them over his feet like underwear, but in the event of an accident, they'll absorb like diapers and can be torn off.
Use washable cotton training pants once your child had a few successes on the potty.
Allow your child to run around (in a private yard or room with a washable floor) with her lower half unclad to help her become more conscious of her body's signals.
Without a diaper, it's hard to avoid the smell of pee.
So that your child can respond swiftly to her body's cues, keep a potty close by.
Your ability to identify his body's messages may be superior to his at this time.
Observe his body language for tell-tale indications (such as fidgeting or squirming) and gently make inquiries.
The potty presents a great place to reinforce the link, even when you are too late and he's already done it.
You can make provision for small tangible rewards to assist the child in the beginning. You can decide to place a sticker on the calendar or a penny in the piggy bank for every achievement.
The rewards should be phased out as she feels more comfortable using the potty, allowing her internal desire to take control.
When he feels more in control. Give him a pat on the back (or a huge embrace) to keep him motivated when he is dry. In case, he is damp and dirty, don't criticize him.
This process can take a few weeks for even the most eager toddler, with as many steps backward as forwards. Her self-confidence may suffer if your expectations are too high.
Be careful not to reprimand or disgrace. Even though mopping up puddles of pee is never fun for a parent, strive to keep your calm.
In the event that you overreact, you may inhibit future attempts by your child.
It's best to be kind while reminding your child to use the potty; nagging will only lead to avoidance. In the same vein, don't push him to sit or stay on the toilet.
So many parents believe that restricting fluids will reduce the likelihood of the child not messing up.
The major challenge with this method is that it is unfair as well as unhealthy. It is best to increase your child's hydration intake instead to increase her chances of success.
Last but not the least, potty training isn't always easy or painless, so don't underestimate it. All you have to do is wait for your child to show signs of preparedness, set the stage, and then jump.
As wonderful as it is to think of abandoning the diapers, getting there can be a test. Do not, however, give up. Even while potty training your toddler could feel like an interminable task, sooner or later he'll get the grasp of it and be able to use it.
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