How to Use Sign Language to Potty Train
Many children are able to begin potty training earlier in life with the help of sign language. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend beginning toilet training prior to eighteen months of age , children as young as four or five months are able to recognize signs and sign them back (experience). By connecting an action with a hand signal, your child will have a head start when it comes to potty training in this form of elimination communication.
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Instructions
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Bring your child to the bathroom and remove his pants and diaper. If your child is not able to sit unsupported, hold him over the bathroom sink.If your child is old enough, have him sit on the potty chair.
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Prompt your child to eliminate. This may include making a suggestive noise, such as "psssss," which you intend for your child to associate with eliminating. You might press slightly on your child's bladder to encourage them to urinate. Or you might run water from the faucet.
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Tuck your thumb between your forefinger and middle finger and wiggle your hand. This signifies "T" for "toilet" in American Sign Language. Use this sign when your child eliminates, say "potty!" and praise him.
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Hold your child over the sink or allow him to sit on his potty chair for at least five minutes to give him sufficient time to finish eliminating.
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Tips & Warnings
Timing is important when giving your child the chance to go potty. Offer the potty after waking up from a nap as well as before and after eating.
Eventually, your child will learn to associate "T" for "toilet" with the potty, and associate the potty with eliminating. After that happens, your child will be able to ask to be taken to the potty with sign language.
