Potty Training Toddlers Georgia CTAE Resource Network Instructional Resources Office July 2009.

Potty TrainingPotty Training

ToddlersToddlers

Georgia CTAE Resource Network

Instructional Resources Office

July 2009

Toilet TrainingToilet Training

Babies can not be toilet trained Babies can not be toilet trained

because of lack of because of lack of

muscle control.muscle control.

When will my child be When will my child be ready?ready?

Girls usually train faster, around Girls usually train faster, around age 2.age 2.

Boys are usually age 3.Boys are usually age 3.

Signs of readiness:Signs of readiness:

Curious about toiletCurious about toilet Stay dry longerStay dry longer Takes diaper offTakes diaper off Ask to use toiletAsk to use toilet Knows when diaper is wet or messyKnows when diaper is wet or messy Put things in containersPut things in containers Wakes up dryWakes up dry

Preparation before Preparation before training:training:

Talk about the big day a couple of Talk about the big day a couple of weeks in advance.weeks in advance.

Explore the toilet – sit on it.Explore the toilet – sit on it. Let them observe siblings or Let them observe siblings or

parentsparents Buy a doll or let child teach doll Buy a doll or let child teach doll

steps.steps. Toilet seatToilet seat

Guidelines:Guidelines:

Buying underpantsBuying underpants

Let the child choose.Let the child choose.

Buy a lot.Buy a lot.

Training underwear is thicker.Training underwear is thicker.

Pull ups are another option.Pull ups are another option.

What about Accidents?What about Accidents?

Probably WILL happenProbably WILL happen LESS as a child grows olderLESS as a child grows older You should EASE OFF pressure to You should EASE OFF pressure to

traintrain

Hygiene:Hygiene:

Washing: must teach! Helps set Washing: must teach! Helps set a good habit for life.a good habit for life.

Flushing: can be fun or scaryFlushing: can be fun or scary Wiping: Parent wipe first until Wiping: Parent wipe first until

child learns how – check oftenchild learns how – check often

Night time control:Night time control:

Comes later than daytimeComes later than daytime

Is it OK for the child to wear diapers Is it OK for the child to wear diapers at night and during naps? Yesat night and during naps? Yes

When child is waking up dry, it may When child is waking up dry, it may be a good idea to ditch the be a good idea to ditch the diapers.diapers.

Resistance:Resistance:

2 year old independence2 year old independence Fear of failureFear of failure Physical problem called enuresisPhysical problem called enuresis

Regression:Regression:

It is common, especially when It is common, especially when there is stress on the child or in there is stress on the child or in the familythe family

Could be caused from change in Could be caused from change in dynamics of family (birth of baby, dynamics of family (birth of baby, vacation, moving, etc.)vacation, moving, etc.)

Be patient and start overBe patient and start over

Other methods:Other methods:

TargetsTargets CheeriosCheerios Musical toiletsMusical toilets DollsDolls Sticker chartsSticker charts Treats/rewardsTreats/rewards

Do’sDo’s

Let child decide when to beginLet child decide when to begin Praise for successesPraise for successes Be supportive, give praise, and Be supportive, give praise, and

encouragementencouragement Respect child’s body and feelingsRespect child’s body and feelings

Don’tsDon’ts

Force child to sit for long timeForce child to sit for long time Expect child to perform on cueExpect child to perform on cue Train during times of stressTrain during times of stress Scold or be upset by accidents or Scold or be upset by accidents or

compare them with other childrencompare them with other children