Toilet Training Essay

Many parents have questions about when the right time is, and what the best approaches are in order to toilet train their little ones. The truth however, is that every child is different. All the answers to the many questions just depend on what methods work best for the child at hand, however there are a few things for parents to keep in mind. When parents toilet train their children it is important for them to know if their child is ready, maintain patience, provide positive reinforcement/incentives.

It is very important for parents to know if their child is really ready for toilet training. There is no specific age limit that a child has to start with; in fact many have different ideas. The Pottyville Wizard (2008-2010) believes that the best time for a child to be potty trained is between 18 and 24 months. Wood (2011) however thinks the appropriate age is between 2 ? and 3 ? years of age, and she also found a study that calculated 40% of children are not trained by the age of 3.

The point is that it is best not to start toilet training until the child is ready, and the best way to tell is to look for the signs. The Mayo Clinic (1998-2013) website gives many excellent examples of signs a child may give. Does your little one ask questions or seem in any way curious about the training chair or toilet, or maybe even have an interest in wearing underwear? Can your child pull his pants up and down? There are many other signs to look for as well.

One of the best parenting skills a parent can use for their child while toilet training is maintaining patience. One method for parents that seem to help is when they try developing a sense of humor instead of frustration even if their child’s toilet time wasn’t successful. It is best for parents to try to refrain from punishment or criticism for accidents, because they will happen and the child needs to know that they are there for his support.

Wood (2011) mentions one method where parents will introduce their children to the training chair by placing it in the bathroom and letting their child see it, but do not insist that he use it right away. Just praise him and support his curiosity. If the child show resistance towards toilet training, it is best not to pressure him into it. A power struggle may develop and unhinge the entire process. (Baby Centre, 2013). The best thing a parent can do for their child in this situation is to just take a break for a week or so and then try again.

Many parents motivate their children into toilet training with positive reinforcement, and incentives. The Pottyville Wizard (2008-2010) website discusses how parents can introduce toilet training to their children first through conversation, explaining how the body works and turning their training into a magical experience for the child. The Baby Centre (2013) website has an idea that can make the experience fun for the child. In the Baby Centre’s approach they talk about how parents can take their child shopping and allowing the child choose his own underwear.

Parents can also pick up some food coloring to drip into the toilet for toilet time, allowing the little one to watch as the water changes colors. Most parents also provide their children with incentives for toilet time, such as a sticker on the board each time he goes. Once the little one accumulates a certain number of stickers he receives a special toy or DVD. Although there is no right or wrong method for potty training a child, it is important for parents to know if their child is really ready, maintain patience, and provide children with positive reinforcement and incentives.

Baby Centre. (2013). Potty training for boys. Retrieved from http://www. babycentre. co. uk/a548955/potty-training-for-boys Mayo Clinic. (1998-2013). Potty training: How to get the job done. Retrieved from http://www. mayoclinic. com/health/potty-training/CC00060 The Pottyville Wizard. (2008-2010). Potty Training Mission. Retrieved from http://www. thepottyvillewizard. com/Potty_Training_Mission. html Wood, S. (2011, May). DITCH the DIAPERS. Parenting Early Years, 25(4), 4. Retreived from EBSCOhost