The two big surprises are that toilet-teaching/ potty training isn’t fast and it isn’t smooth. 🙈🙉🙊
The problem lies in the fact how to go about it, what will work for your kid and where to begin from. The thing is its different for every kid. We can guide you what worked for many, you can try and see what works for YOUR little one.

And if you are lucky, your child may copy other kids without needing any instructions, as long as you make it clear to him what he has to do, and where he must do it.

IDEAL AGE:

There’s nothing like ideal age for potty training but what worked for many was the age between two to three years of age.

The muscles that control the passage of urine and stool arent really mature enough until they reach about 18 months to two years. That’s why starting too early will result in accidents, the baby might get scared and leave it completely.

IS YOUR CHILD READY?🤷

Ask yourself:

*Can your child walk to and sit on a toilet?

*Can your child pull down his or her pants and pull them up again?

*Can your child stay dry for up to two hours?

*Can your child understand and follow basic directions?

*Can your child communicate when he or she needs to go?

*Does your child seem interested in using the toilet?

💁 If you answered mostly yes, your child might be ready.

PREPARING BABY’S MIND 👩‍🏫

*BABY’S OWN POTTY 🚽

Let the child get used to the idea of using the potty. Start by letting him come along when you buy it, let him choose the color and most importantly let him know that the potty is HIS very own. You can let him personalize it by letting him decorate it with stickers.

*HOW TO INITIATE📌

Start changing your child’s diaper in the bathroom, and suggest basic tasks such as pulling down pants, tearing off toilet paper and flushing.

*TIMING IS THE KEY🔑

If you know your child’s natural routine, try to catch it with a visit to the toilet. Get him reading a book at the same time — it’s distracting and he might poop without realizing it.

READY, SET, GO! 🚒💩💩💩

When it’s time to begin potty training, follow these steps:

*Pull out the equipment.

Place a potty chair in the bathroom. Encourage your child to sit on the potty chair in his clothes to start out. Make sure your child’s feet rest on the floor or a stool. Many toddlers are afraid of falling into the toilet, and their anxiety can interfere with potty training.
When your child is sitting on the potty, it’s important for him to be able to lean slightly forward with his feet on the ground, especially when he’s having a bowel movement.
Avoid letting him sit too long (15 minutes is sufficient) or get sidetracked by other activities. Watching TV or using other screens while sitting on the potty is often a major stumbling block for parents and children.

Use simple, positive terms to talk about the toilet. You might dump the contents of a dirty diaper into the potty chair or toilet to show its purpose. Have your child flush the toilet.

*SCHEDULE POTTY BREAKS. 📢⏱️

Have your child sit on the potty chair or toilet without a diaper for a few minutes at two-hour intervals such that includes the following timings (first thing in the morning, right after naps and half an hour after every meal).
Stay with your child and read a book or give your child a toy to play with while he or she sits. Allow your child to get up if he or she wants. Even if your child simply sits there, offer praise for trying — and remind your child that he or she can try again later.

*GET THERE — FAST!🤸

When you notice signs that your child might need to use the toilet — such as squirming, squatting, crossing legs while standing or holding the genital area — respond quickly. Help your child become familiar with these signals, stop what he is doing, and head to the toilet.
Dont forget to praise your child for telling you when he or she has to go. Keep your child in loose, easy-to-remove clothing. It will be easier for you as well.

*EXPLAIN HYGIENE. 🚺🚹🚼

Teach girls to spread their legs and wipe carefully from front to back to prevent bringing germs from the rectum to the vagina or bladder. As this ause urinary tract infection. Make sure your child washes his or her hands afterward.

DITCH THE DIAPERS.🚮

After a couple of weeks of successful potty breaks and remaining dry during the day, your child might be ready to trade diapers for training pants or underwear. Celebrate the transition. But do let your child return to diapers if he or she is unable to remain dry.

REWARD SYSTEM: 🏆

Consider using a sticker or star chart for positive reinforcement. Sometimes the biggest reward is mom saying, ‘Great job!,’ with a big smile and a hug.” Online charts are available for free downloads. You can print them, put them up in toilets and use them for reward.

ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN 🤷🙊🙄🤦

Sometimes the child is not feeling well, Or sometimes a big change, such as a new baby in the family, a renovation or being on vacation, can cause a series of setbacks.

*TO HANDLE ACCIDENTS:

Stay calm. Don’t scold, discipline or shame your child. You might say, “You forgot this time. Next time you’ll get to the bathroom sooner.” If you feel frustrated, remind yourself that scolding your child for wetting his pants might mean months of diapers ahead.
Remember, potty training is not so different from learning how to ride a bike, and accidents are an inevitable part of the process.🧘

*BE PREPARED. ☯️

Keep a change of underwear and clothing handy, especially at school or in child care.

TAKE A BREAK ⚠️

If your child resists using the potty chair or toilet or isn’t getting the hang of it within a few weeks, take a break. Chances are he or she isn’t ready yet. Pushing your child when he or she isn’t ready can lead to a frustrating power struggle. Try again in a few weeks.
If they were dry at one point, they’ll be dry again.

NIGHT TIME TRAINING 😴

Nap and nighttime training typically take longer to achieve. Most children can stay dry at night between ages 5 and 7. In the meantime, use disposable training pants and mattress covers when your child sleeps.
Do not allow liquids like milk and juice at least an hour before bedtime🚱 to help your child stay dry at night. That might mean you serve a later dinner so your child’s full and doesn’t need more food and drinks right before bed. Remember, nighttime training often comes later than daytime training. Do not pressurize the child over it.🚸

IN A NUT SHELL

Lots of undivided attention, positive reinforcement, love, affection and pride when kids are successful helps a lot in potty training. Making a big deal about small steps of progress is key.

Don’t stress—your child will ultimately get on the potty and do his thing, but you can help guide the process along. Happy pooping !💩

#poopTalks

#poopStories

#pottyTraining, #pediatricianOnTheGo, #letsRaiseThemTogether, #happyParenting, #happymommies, #happyKids