Toilet training is one of the most significant milestones in a child’s life, and it can be a daunting process for parents. However, with patience, consistency, and a few simple tips, you can help your child master this critical skill.
River Ace, my two-year-old son, recently completed his toilet training, and I’m here to share our experience and some tips that worked for us.
Knowing when to start
One of the critical factors in successful toilet training is timing. It’s essential to wait until your child shows signs that they are ready to start, such as communicating when they need to go, showing an interest in the toilet, or pulling their pants up and down. Starting too early can lead to frustration and setbacks.
We started toilet training in the summer of 2022. We established a routine: putting River Ace on the toilet first thing in the morning, before meals, snacks, and before bed. We also praised him with singing and the ‘wee-wee dance’ to encourage him.
Over time, River Ace learned how to pull up and down his pull-ups and started to communicate more when he needed to use the toilet. We kept a potty nearby and encouraged him to use it.
Then, last weekend in January, River Ace refused to wear a pull-up and started using the toilet and My Carry Potty when we were out. Seeing him take ownership of this new skill was a great feeling and made our lives easier.
Top tips for toilet training
Based on our experience, some toilet training tips might help you and your little one.
Make sure they are ready.
Once you’ve established that your child is ready, it’s important to let friends, family, and caregivers know you’ve started toilet training. This will help them support your child and maintain consistency in their routines.
Clothing
Choosing the right clothes is also essential. Most children prefer to wear real underwear, which makes them feel grown up and encourages them to take ownership of their new skills.
Getting your child involved in the process can also be helpful. Let them choose their potty and encourage them to use it regularly.
Rewards
Rewarding their efforts with stickers, claps, and high-fives motivates them. The ‘wee wee dance’ is me clapping and dancing around singing “, Tay! Rivers did a wee wee”
Preparation
Finally, it’s essential to be prepared inside and outside the home. Consider purchasing a portable potty or training seat, so your child can easily use the toilet while you’re out and about.
One tool that was particularly helpful for us was the award-winning My Carry Potty. It is a portable, leak-proof, and bag-free potty that is perfect for use at home or outdoors. With nearly 1 million sold worldwide, it has become a go-to potty for parents everywhere.
Patience
At the end of the day, every child develops at their own pace, so try not to compare your child’s progress to that of others. You and your child will soon be celebrating this important milestone with consistency, patience, and a positive attitude.
Conclusion
Toilet training may be difficult, but with a positive attitude, patience, and the right tools, you and your child can conquer this critical milestone. Good luck!