One of the most common questions we hear at our Parent Information Night, or when a parent comes in to register their child for Pre-School is, “What about toilet training? We’ve started but he/she isn’t completely trained.” Since this is such a hot topic we decided to share a series of posts with some considerations, information, tips and tricks.
From our experience, most children quickly become more independent with this important self-help skill, if the school and home work together, using the same process and language. Once the children are at school, and are using the bathroom with other children, they are motivated to learn/master these skills.
How will we know if our child is ready to be toilet trained?
How will we know if our child is ready to be toilet trained?
The simple answer is “when the child is ready” “Experts’ in the field of pediatrics and research may suggest anywhere from 18 months to thirty months, but all emphasize the importance of looking at specific indications that an individual child is ready to begin the toilet training process. This readiness requires predictable physical and behavioural clues that a child is ready to participate:
Is the child at least 18 months old?
Are the child’s diapers dry for at least 2 hours at a time?
Does the child know – and let you know- when he is wet or has a bowel movement?
Does the child tell you or indicate that she is uncomfortable in wet or soiled diapers?
Can the child sit upright for 5 minutes?
Can the child undress enough to sit on the potty?
Is the child able to get himself to the potty?
Does the child follow simple directions?
Does the child answer simple yes-and-no questions?
Does the child imitate others- parents, caregivers, or other children?
Does the child show pride, joy, or excitement when she/he learns a new skill?
It is important to consider that for potty training to be a self-help skill; a child has to take an active role in it. And in order to take an active role, the child has to be ready and able.
In addition, if a child is being toilet trained in a group setting, such as Pre-School, Day Care, or a Day Home, we also need to consider:
Does the child trust and feel comfortable with the adults who care for him/her?
Do the adults-parents and caregivers-know what they will have to do to help the child learn to use the potty?
Are the parents and caregivers willing and able to devote the time and attention to helping the child learn to use the toilet?
Have the adults – parents and caregivers- shared information with each other about how they plan to do the toilet training, so that the same methods and language are used at home and at Pre-School, Daycare, or at the Day Home?
Take some time to assess the readiness of your little one and watch for our next post where we will dive deeper into this important topic!
~JR
