19 Jun Let’s Talk About Toilet Training

At Douglas Valley Nursery School we want our children to be happy, confident learners and this includes developing the skills of independence to remove barriers to learning.

Most parents start thinking about toilet training when their child is 2 to 2 years and 6 months old.

Choose a good time – when you are at home for several days and there are no great disruptions.

Our expectation is that when children start in pre-school they are toilet trained and can use the toilet and bathroom independently or with little support. Obviously we will support parents with this and we are aware that all children are different.

Looking for signs.

• Is your child signalling that their nappy needs changing?
• Can your child understand and follow basic instructions?
• Is your child staying dry for longer periods in the day?
• Can your child pull their pants down and then up again?

IF YES THEN GET READY TO GO!

Decide if you want your child to go straight on the toilet with a child seat or use a potty. Remember, you will need to transition to a toilet before pre-school.

IF NO…………

Talk to your child about their bodies and toileting.

Use the bathroom together to build up an understanding of routines.

TOILET TRAINING PLAN OF ACTION

• You will need knickers, underpants, a potty or a step and a child’s toilet seat.
• Keep the nappy off until bedtime. Putting nappies on after accidents or for trips out will just confuse your child and can delay toilet training.
• Let your child see you using the toilet and explain what you are doing.
• Regularly offer and suggest using the potty or toilet.
• Dress your child in clothes that are easy to pull down and up.
• Give lots of praise when your child succeeds.
• Don’t get cross or make a fuss if your child has an accident – just keep calm, get changed and carry on!
• It’s ok to teach boys to sit down first – they can progress to standing up later – whatever suits.
• Always wash your hands afterwards from the word go.
• Start to leave nappies off at night when they are dry in the morning.
• Encourage your child to go to the toilet last thing at night but remember to protect the mattress just in case.

REMEMBER – DON’T GIVE UP! HAPPY TOILETING!

I have attached a reward chart for you to print and use 🙂