Life as a parent to a toddler is an exciting time. As they learn to speak you can begin to communicate with them more and their personality really starts to shine through. With that said, this time also brings with it a particular task for you to face: potty training.
Every parent approaches potty training differently, but here are some helpful tips you can follow to get you started.
When to Start Potty Training?
There is no set age when every child must learn to start using the potty. With that said, most parents choose to introduce their child to the potty when they’re anywhere between the ages of 18 months to two years old.
This is dependent on the time you have available to teach them, as well as whether or not your child is ready. Remember, you can’t force your child to use a potty if they’re simply not ready.
Our Top Potty Training Tips
Teach Them what Potty Time is
The concept of a potty will be new to your child, so get them used to the idea of using it before introducing them to actively using it. When changing their nappy, talk to them about what a wet nappy means, helping them to understand what wee and poo are.
You can then leave a potty where your toddler can see it and explain what it’s for, so they can make that association. To get them used to it, you could even see if they’re happy to sit on it for a moment to get used to the sensation, especially when you’re changing their nappy, getting them ready for the day or ready for bed.
Make it a Part of Everyday Routine
One of the key elements of potty training is consistency. Make it a part of your child’s every day routine by encouraging them to sit on it after they get up in the morning, after a nap and before bed.
It’s also a good idea to encourage them to use it after meals, since digested food and drink is naturally likely to lead to a bowel movement. Keeping a potty in the bathroom will help further their understanding that this is the place to go to the loo, although if this is exclusively upstairs, then also keep a potty downstairs so they can still access it easily if they need to.
Make Potty Time a Positive Experience
It’s important that you make time on the potty a positive experience for your child. Offer them a toy or book when they use the potty, then praise them when they successfully manage to go. Similarly, don’t shame them or make a fuss when they have an accident. This will ensure they don’t feel anxious or worried, and will actually make it more likely that they’ll be successful the next time.
Potty Training at Nursery
Are you worried that nursery will disrupt your toddler’s potty training? That doesn’t need to be a concern here at Little Acorns Day Nursery.
We have the necessary facilities to accommodate those in potty training, and our nursery staff are more than happy to support your toddler during this stage of their development.
Get in touch with us today for more information on what our nursery can offer you and your child.