How can I encourage my toddler to use the potty?
The move from diapers to using the potty can be a big challenge for a toddler. Fortunately, there are ways to encourage this shift without placing too much pressure on your child. Here’s how.
Be sure your child is ready
According to Essie de Jager, a trained early-childhood teaching professional at Tjokkertuin Childcare Centre in Malmesbury, toddlers aren’t all ready to make the move to the potty at the same time, and parents should gauge their readiness on a child-by-child basis.
“We normally encourage potty training between the ages of two and three, and we keep an eye out for certain signs that children are ready. If your toddler starts leaving the room or seeking out privacy when they fill their diapers, that's your first sign. If their diapers are staying dry for long periods of time, and they are showing interest when other people in your home use the bathroom, or asking to wear 'big kid' underwear, those are positive signs as well,” Essie explains.
Keep it fun!
“Make your child part of the process while you ready for potty training,” Essie suggests. “Take them with you when you choose the toddler toilet seat or potty (or have them choose it online), and invest in some fun underwear to get them interested. Kids love ‘character’ underwear, so see if you can find some with their favourite animated characters on it. This makes the process a lot less scary.”
Stick to a schedule when possible
“At our childcare centre, we do a toilet routine with the older children a few times a day. They know to expect it and it becomes a part of their day-to-day routine. It normally helps if parents try to follow this schedule at home as well. If your toddler goes to a daycare facility, ask their teachers to share the schedule they use so you can use it as a template at home. Alternatively, draw up your own – as long as you take care to announce potty time in advance and reassure your child that playtime will continue afterward, you should be fine,” advises Essie.
Take it slow and steady
Essie says one of the most important things parents need to realise about potty training is that it takes time and there will be accidents.
“Try to relax and take things as they come. Your child is new to this and if you get angry whenever they have an accident you can actually cause regression or lose all the progress you’ve made. Be empathetic and put safeguards in place when you need to. For instance, if you’re going to be traveling in a car for quite a distance, put on a pull-up diaper over their underwear. This way, they’ll know if there’s been an accident, but you won’t have to clean up the car seat and dress them in a whole new outfit,” Essie recommends.
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