Toilet training

Do you have a child who is shortly going to begin preschool? If yes then it is time to make sure that your child is toilet-trained.

Before toilet training your child, place a potty chair in your child’s normal living and play area so that your child will become familiar with the potty.
Your child is ready when he or she can signal that the diaper is wet or soiled, or when your child is able to say that he or she would like to go to the potty. This usually occurs when a child is 18 to 24 months of age. Let your child learn at his own pace.

If your child is able to go to the loo independently, it will make a difference to his overall personality. Not only will the child be more confident of himself, he will feel more in control, more at ease with himself and vis-a-vis his peers in school. It is likely to go a long way in enhancing his self-esteem.

Sit your child on the potty each day at times when he is likely to have a bowel movement, like thirty minutes after eating or after having a bath.
Give your child food with lots of fibre (fruit and vegetables) and water to help him want to go to the toilet.
Give your child praise for his efforts (even if progress is slow) and lots of praise when he’s successful.
Look out for signs that your child needs to go to the toilet – some cues include changes in posture, passing wind and going quiet.
At different stages throughout the day (but not too often), you might ask your child if he needs to go to the toilet. Gentle reminders are enough – it’s best if your child does not feel pressured.