Potty Training
Potty Training
Most parents and carers dread this stage of development, the soiled clothes, the accidents in the middle of the supermarket or the tears and torment it can potentially cause our little ones and us!
However, it is a part of growing up, a part of parent hood that is inevitable.
We always remind all parents, ‘every child is different’, some may take to potty training super easy and some may need a little more patience, time and encouragement.
It’s a journey that is unique to each child!
After looking through numerous websites, there are pieces of advice that repeat themselves over and over...
"Keep your child naked from the waist down" and "Stay home for a few days with your child to train them"
Whilst we completely understand the reasoning behind both pieces of advice here, it isn't really practical for most families.
We all wish we had endless annual leave and to take off extra time, but it's not always possible and actually potty training can be achieved without using up your holiday and taking your little one out of nursery.
Whilst we feel less layers is better, they do not need to be naked, ditching the underwear for the first week or so the same trick!
Preparation is key
When you feel your child is ready, it's time to get organised and prepared for the journey ahead; his could be simple changes like:
Swapping nappies for pull ups.
Introducing a potty for your little one to sit on and get acquainted.
A small shopping trip together, to buy underwear.
Introducing a potty themed book and reading it together.
Our advice....
Take it slow, patience is important, be kind to yourself, it's a marathon, not a sprint!
Pull-ups instead of nappies are a great start on your potty mission, this supports children in learning to pull up and down their trousers or underwear.
The idea behind this is, children begin to get comfortable using a potty and toilet independently, but it still gives them a little room for 'accidents', which children can find a little embarrassing and upsetting.
Regular trips to the bathroom are key, with gentle reminders in-between.
Anytime you pop a fresh pull-up on, encourage sitting on the toilet or potty, this will help your little one become used to the idea and support the understanding of toileting.
This process can take some time, children become absorbed in their play and engaged in other tasks, so they can forget they are using a potty or the toilet.
Remember to use lots of praise and positive language, offering encouragement and a positive potty experience.
We don't make a fuss over 'accidents', as we wouldn't want to make using the toilet or potty something a child dreads, the transition from nappy to potty, should always be a positive one.
Share what works with your setting, together parents and a setting can work together, giving consistency and support.
Remember even a child who has been dry for months in underwear, can have slip ups and wet or soil themselves!
Your journey through potty training, is exactly that, one that is as unique as your child.
