Health Facts

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General Health

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Toddlers & Children

• Introducing Solids
• Child Development 3 - 6 Months
• Child Development 15 - 18 Months
• Child Development 18 months - 2 Years
• Child Development 2 - 3 Years
• Child Development 3 - 5 Years
• Conjunctivitis
• Ear Ache
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• Safe Summertime Tips
• Self Esteem
• Toilet Training
• Tooth Decay
• Worms

Pregnancy

• Pregnancy & Essential Oils
• Why Use A Pregnancy Multi

Toilet Training

The task of toilet training is one that often causes a degree of anxiety among parents and carers of toddlers.
It is a complicated skill and the process must be carried out in a very supportive manor.

Facts to remember:

• Before commencing toilet training your child must demonstrate the physical ability to control their bladder and bowel movements. It can be a long process before they are able to develop conscious control and the occasional accident can occur even in young school aged children.
• The readiness both physically and psychologically is not complete until the child reaches the age of 18 - 24 months. This is when the child is aware of the ability to control the body and please the parent.
• Imposing your will and insisting on co-operation before the child is ready will not make the process of toilet training happen any faster.
• As with all millstones sin childhood there is a wide range of "normal". The average age of commencing toilet training (i.e. the reasonably successful transition from a nappy to regular underwear but not necessarily with complete daytime control) is 2.4 years.
• Bowel training is usually accomplished before bladder training. This is because it is more regular and predictable.
• Nighttime training of urination may not be complete until the ages of 4-5 years - sometimes longer.
• Reducing the child's fluid intake before bed or waking them at midnight to use the toilet may decrease bed-wetting but it will not teach the child conscious or voluntary control.

Helpful hints:

• Limit practice sessions to 5 - 10 minutes and stay with the child until he or she is confident.
• Don't forget to train the child in hand washing techniques also
• Praise the child for co-operative behavior and/or if a successful outcome is achieved.
• Avoid showing any signs of disappointment
• Dress children in easily removable clothing.
• It is helpful to tell the child that when they feel the urge to urinate or have their bowels open that they need to allow enough time to get to the toilet.
• Gentle reminders are useful as children become engrossed in their activities and often wait until it is too late to get to the toilet.
• If the child says "no" don't try to insist or persuade them. The aim is to help them take charge of themselves.
• Take extra pairs of dry pants when going out and be aware of the location of toilets in shops and public places.
• Most importantly - go easy on yourself and your child. Try not to compare them with siblings and friends. Remember they are all individuals.

It may not happen overnight but it will happen!