• Published by Salsabilatuzzahra Jaha S.Psi. from BehaviorPALS Center 

Toilet training is one of the exercises carried out by toddlers in their skills to use the toilet. This is very important considering that one of the natural things of humans is the excretory system. This is also a big step for children to learn body signals and take responsibility for their bodies. So it's good if we can do successful toilet training. But like training in general, toilet training also has challenges in the process. So it's better if we know what things must be prepared before doing toilet training.

What is the right age to use the toilet? 

Many parents are more concerned with age than with the readiness of children. It is true that the age range for children who are ready is between the ages of 18 months to 2.5 years. However, please note that every child is different. So is his readiness to do toilet training. Here are behavioral signs that your child is ready for toilet training: 

• Can follow your behavior and follow simple commands. 
• Can say the words "pee" and "poop" and show interest in seeing other people use the toilet. 
• Can get their pants up and down. 
• Can stay dry for 2 hours or more a day. This shows that your child has grown to the point where they can stay dry for 2 hours or more a day.
• Can tell you when they are or have finished peeing or pooping or notifying when their diapers and pants are full. 

Other signs such as: 

• Having movements to poop at the same time and consistently. 
• Don't want to wear pampers anymore or have started to be interested in the concept of "getting older". 
• Trying to remove dirty or wet diapers, and also asking to be changed. 

Actually, your child does not have to show all of these signs. But it will help you if you know when the child is ready by seeing a lot of these signs. 

Parents should also be prepared! 

Apart from that, it is not only children who are certain to be ready to do toilet training, for parents, here are the signs that you are ready to do toilet training for your children: 

• You have time. Toilet training won't work if we can't stay committed to keep doing it.
• You have taught your child the words or sentences your family uses about the toilet. All are comfortable using the word and have shared it with teachers or caregivers.
• You are aware of possible challenges and setbacks, have realistic expectations, and are ready to support your child in many positive ways.

You should also: 

• Find out as much information as you can about toilet training. It can be from reading books or watching videos with your child. This helps them learn in a fun way that it's normal for everyone to pee and poop.
• Let your child go with you to the toilet and talk about what you're doing if you feel okay doing it. Understanding what a toilet is for, what a toilet is for is the first step in learning how to use it.
• Teach your child the words necessary for toilet training, such as wet, dry, wee, poo, it's coming. Choose words that make you comfortable
• Make sure the toilet area is safe. Keep household cleaners and toiletries out of reach of children.
• Dress your child in clothes that are easy to put on and take off, and are easy to wash. Toilet training can be easier in warmer weather because there is less clothing to take off in a hurry.
• Learn your child's cues so you are ready to guide them to the toilet on time. It is important to have a toilet or potty ready.

How long will it take?

Some children take 3 to 4 weeks to know how and when to go to the toilet while some seem to be able to do it in a few days. Each child has their own time. Some children can when they poop first and others. Quite often girls do toilet training earlier than boys, but not always. If your child isn't progressing after about 4 weeks, they may not be ready. Wait a few weeks and try again.

The above will help you know and prepare yourself for toilet training your children. Consistency and patience in continuing to strive for toilet training will bring good results. Always cheer up parents!

By Salsabilatuzzahra Jaha S.Psi from the BehaviorPALS Center

Source: 

Boston University. (2020, July 1). Toilet Training. Retrieved from Boston University Web: https://www.bu.edu/childrens-center/files/2020/07/Toilet-Training-1.pdf

Province of Manitoba. (2022, November 28). Health. Retrieved from Province of Manitoba Web: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/documents/toilet.pdf 

Toilet training, children, parents

Children 4 Years - 6 Years / 4 Tahun - 6 Tahun / Parenting / Pola Asuh / Family / Keluarga / Things to consider before doing Toilet Training!

Comments