Toilet Training for Three-Year-Olds
Training your child to use the bathroom takes patience. At the age of three, the child can follow the simple directions necessary to use the bathroom. Once he is instructed about what is required, devote time to toilet training every day by making it a regular part of the daily routine.
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The Right Time
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By the time your child is three years old, chances are he is ready for toilet training. Some children show signs of readiness as young as 18 months. Learn to know the signs that your child is ready. He may stay dry for a couple of hours at a time, and he may wake up dry after a nap. He may ask to use the toilet or potty, or he might ask to wear real underwear instead of diapers. Working parents may find that day care providers require children to be toilet-trained, which can be motivating for the child who then observes others leaving to use the restroom.
Introducing the Bathroom
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Before starting a toilet training regimen, introduce the child by allowing her to accompany you to the bathroom. Allow her to understand what is happening, and you may her to flush the toilet. You may have to place the stool from a dirty diaper in the potty or toilet, and than flush, so that she gets the idea.
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Choosing Toileting Words
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Decide on which words you will use to indicate body parts, urine and bowel movements. These words should not be embarrassing or confusing to the child or anyone else. Refrain from using negative words like "dirty" or "stinky." The best approach is to make your child understand that using the bathroom is a normal, natural part of life and should be treated in a straightforward manner.
Establish a Routine
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When toilet training begins, encourage the child to use the toilet on a daily basis. Use clear directions that your child can understand. Establish a regular routine by taking your child to the bathroom at regular times, like right after waking up in the morning, after meals and before naps.
Focus on Success
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At the age of three, children can be motivated by some kind of wall chart to record success at toilet training. You might allow him to select a sticker to put up on the chart after using the toilet.
Preventing Accidents
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Learn to know the signs that your child may need to use the bathroom. The child may stop playing, squat or grunt before a bowel movement, or his face may turn red. Explain to the child what these signs mean, so he can tell you when he needs to use the bathroom. Sometimes a child will come to tell a parent after the fact. This is a good sign, because it shows that the child is attuned to his bodily functions. Praise the child, then suggest that next time he should tell you beforehand and use the bathroom. Remember that accidents may happen, so it pays to be patient. If a child wets his pants, just change his clothing and encourage him to use the bathroom.
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References
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