Sign Language for Toilet Training
A successfully potty-trained child communicates his or her desires to use the toilet. Preverbal children can use signs to make their needs known to parents and caretakers.
Other People Are Reading
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Primary Sign
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The American Sign Language sign for "toilet" is shaking a raised right fist with the thumb tucked between the second and third fingers, meaning both a need to eliminate or the actual location or room.
Other Signs
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Tapping the fingertips of either hand against each other means "more." For "all done," open hands are held with palms facing the front of the body; then the hands are twisted quickly a couple of times, with the palms ending pointing front.
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Associating Action and Meaning
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The adult begins by using the signs in front of the child. For example, when changing diapers, the adult uses the ASL "toilet" sign. Soon the child will associate the action with the meaning.
Benefits
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Might be a challenge to potty train In recent times, children are typically potty trained by age 3. At that age, most children can talk to express their desires but they also are independent and even stubborn, making training more challenging. Training at a younger age, starting at 12 months, with signs for communication may reduce or eliminate toddler stubbornness from training.
Packages
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Some companies, such as Baby Signs ®, market potty-training kits that include a book of signs, a picture book, stickers and a DVD.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit toy toilet image by Wayne Abraham from Fotolia.com child image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
