The Do's and Don'ts of how to effectively handle toilet training for your child

Do's and Don'ts when Potty Training Your Child

There is no definite time to start potty training. But you need to look out for the following signs which indicate that your little one is ready.

Physical signs: The first thing you want to check is whether your baby can walk or not. You may also want to wait and see if he/ she has a well-formed bowel movement at a particular time.

Observation: Wait and watch, if your baby can quietly sit at one place for a time period of over five minutes. When a child starts to dislike the feeling of a wet diaper or shows signs of bowel movement, it is a good indicator to start with potty training.

Other signs: Important behavioural signs include being cooperative, demonstrating the ability to sit at a place and desire for independence.

Do’s and Don’ts for Potty Training

Here are a few things you need to bear in mind while working on potty training with your little one.

Do’s

• Be patient with your toddler and look for physical and behavioural signs

• Make it fun and motivational to perform this activity. You can also motivate by offering a reward every time this activity is completed

• Do have an emergency kit in hand such as extra underwear, shirts, socks, plastic bags and wet wipes

• Discuss with your doctor and don’t be afraid to seek advice, if you see any potential problems

Don'ts

• Don’t push or insist constantly when you start

• Don’t aim to successfully teach at one go

• Don’t compare your child with other children

• Don’t show any signs of frustration or eagerness

• Don’t set any deadlines, be realistic with your training expectations

• Don’t use clothes which can be difficult to manage

• Don’t worry too much, these things take time

Potty training requires patience with your young ones and helping them to learn, which is also a step towards making them more independent.