Toilet Training Toddlers
Toilet training is one of the earliest tasks a child will learn, helping them to demonstrate independence in the early years. Children's successful mastery of toilet training is also a milestone in achieving independence for families. Most importantly, children can take pride in their very real accomplishment of learning to use the toilet just like a grown-up.
Signs of Toilet Training Readiness
Your child is healthy with no medical condition or medication that could affect bowel or bladder function
They can go 2 – 3 hour periods of dryness between nappy changes during the daytime
Your child indicates when he/she is wet or dirty
Your child shows an awareness of when he/she is doing a bowel or bladder action
Your child helps with their own dressing and hand washing routines
Your child shows an interest in the toilet
They have words for “wee” and “poo”
Your child can follow simple instructions
Your child responds to, or understand rewards and/or praise
Parents Checklist for Readiness
It feels like the right time to start toilet training
I have the time to commit to toilet training
I have support from family and my child’s other care providers
I have been able to access resources and equipment that I need to give it my best go
Laying the Foundation
Setting up the environment: Start talking to your child about going to the toilet. Showing them where the toilet is
Selecting easy clothing: trousers with elastic waistbands instead of buttons and zips.
Maintaining consistent communication: Choose the toileting words you’re going to use – for example poo, wee or pee. Work out the procedure together and make sure your child understands. For example, you might say: “When you need to go to the toilet, come and tell me and I’ll help you”.
Rewards and Reinforcement
Praise and rewards are essential to engage your child’s interest and motivation to try again with toileting
Smile, hug or clapping hands. Use a sticker chart or small treats to reinforce positive behaviour on the toilet.
Rewards need to be phased out as your child’s level of independence increases
Remember that toilet training takes time. Try and stay consistent with your approach, and know that in time your child will master their ability to go to the toilet on their own.