POTTY TRAINING MADE EASY: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE www.thelittlelearningcentre.co.uk info@thelittlelearningcentre +44 7488 281744 Thank you for taking the time to have a look at some of our top tips for potty training. At The Little Learning Centre, we have developed this resource to support parents/guardians as they begin their potty training journey with their Little Ones. Potty training can be a stressful and challenging time for some families. If you are discovering that the journey has not been smooth or you have not started yet, please do not panic. You are not alone! As always, I have incorporated a few Makaton symbols to assist with understanding at all levels. We hope that this guidance is helpful on the potty training journey. Dr Kirsty Graham Director at The Little Learning Centre ‘Where Learning is an Adventure’ HELLO Introduction Potty training is one of the most significant milestones in a child’s early development. It is a process that symbolises growing independence and maturity, but it can also be a challenging task for both parents and children. Many parents approach potty training with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, unsure of when to start, what techniques to use, or how to handle setbacks. This guide aims to simplify the process, offering practical, step-by-step advice that can make potty training a smoother and more successful experience. Additionally, at the back of this document are useful reward charts which help to keep track of progress and encourage toilet use. Also included are Makaton step-by-step symbols for toileting which will support your Little One through the process. The first and most critical step in potty training is recognising whether your child is ready. Potty training should be a positive experience and most children begin showing signs of readiness between 18 months and 3 years. According to Pantley (2006), 98% of children are completely daytime independent by age four, however, nighttime dryness can take longer to achieve. Starting potty training when your child exhibits these signs increases the likelihood of success. Forcing the process when your child is not ready can lead to resistance and prolong the training period. Understanding Readiness – Is Your Child Ready? Step 1: Step 1: Look for the following signs: Physical Readiness: Your child can stay dry for at least two hours at a time or after naps, indicating they have some bladder control (Glowacki, 2015). Behavioural Signs: Your child can follow simple instructions and may show interest in adult bathroom habits. Cognitive Awareness: Your child begins to recognise and communicate the need to use the toilet, through verbal or non-verbal cues such as squatting. Emotional Readiness: Your child expresses a desire to be more independent, and they might express pride in their accomplishments. ‘It’s Time’ Signs Step 2: Preparation – Gathering the Essentials Before you dive into potty training, it’s important to prepare both yourself and your child. Having the right tools and mindset will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need: Potty Chair or Seat Some children prefer a small, standalone potty chair that feels more secure, while others might be more interested in using a child-sized seat that fits over the regular toilet. Make sure the potty chair or seat is stable and comfortable for your child. Training pants or pull ups are a great intermediate step between nappies and underwear. Once your child is more confident, transitioning to regular underwear can help reinforce the idea of staying dry. Training Pants/ Pull Ups Step 2: Step Stool If your child is using the regular toilet, a step stool will help them reach the toilet and feel more secure. It can also be used to help them reach the sink for handwashing afterwards! Incentives/Rewards Positive reinforcement is key to successful potty training. Choose something that will motivate your child and use it consistently to encourage progress There are many children’s books and videos about potty training that can help your Books and Videos STEP 3: Creating a routine is essential in potty training. Consistency helps your child understand what is expected of them and creates a sense of security. Here’s how to establish a routine: 1.Set regular potty times at regular intervals throughout the day, building the habit of using the toilet/potty. 2.Watch for the signs such as squirming to help prevent accidents. 3.Create a relaxed and positive environment around potty time which supports your child feeling comfort and not pressured during the process. 4.Encouraging independence helps build your child’s confidence and reinforces their sense of accomplishment. Establishing a Routine – Consistency is Key STEP 3: Alongside prepartion, it is important to ensure your child’s bladder and bowels are prepared. Here are some key points to remember: Bowel movements should not cause discomfort. Most toddlers urinate 4-8 times daily and have 1 or 2 bowel movements (ERIC, 2023). In general, each child has a regular pattern to look out for. A minimum of 6-8 drinks daily with a suitable cup size. It is suggested that a 2 year old consumes 120ml-150ml (Glowacki, 2015). Water is always best but your child may prefer well-diluted juice or milk. Do not limit your child’s fluid intake to help them stay dry-it doesn’t work! Avoid giving your child sweetened fluids, such as cola, coffees and teas. If you are worried about bowel and bladder movemets, speak to your GP as soon as possible Handling Accidents – Patience is Key STEP 4: Stay Calm It takes time Provide Encouragement Avoid Shaming Accidents are an inevitable part of potty training. It’s important to handle them with patience and understanding. Remember that your child is learning a new skill, and like any skill, it takes time to master. Your reaction can have a big impact on how your child feels about potty training. Here’s how to approach accidents constructively: Avoid Punishment Focus on the Successes Be Prepared Pack Clothes STEP 5: Transitioning to Underwear – A Big Step Once your child has successfully used the potty for a few weeks with minimal accidents, it might be time to transition to regular underwear. Let your child pick out their new underwear making the transition more exciting and gives your child a sense of ownership. Begin the transition by having your child wear underwear at home where accidents can be easily managed. Gradually increase the time they spend in underwear, and once they are consistently staying dry, start letting them wear underwear outside the house. Even after transitioning to underwear, accidents may still happen; they are still learning. Night time training often takes longer than daytime training. If your child is not waking up dry, consider using night time pull-ups until they are ready to transition to underwear at night. Potty training is a journey that requires patience, consistency and a lot of encouragement. By recognising your child’s readiness, preparing the right tools, establishing a routine and handling setbacks with care, you can make this process a positive experience for both you and your child. Remember, every child is different, and it is important to go at your child’s pace. Celebrate each small victory, and most importantly, stay positive. With time, your child will master this important milestone and move on to the next stage of their development. Happy potty training! CONCLUSION Reference Section Recommended Reading Ford, G. (2018) ‘Potty Training in 7 Days: Stress-Free Guide to a Happy Nappy-Free Toddler’. London: Vermilion. Glowacki, J. (2015) *Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to Do It Once and Do It Right*. London: Scribe UK. Hatch, A. (2015) *Nappy-Free Baby: A Practical Guide to Baby-Led Potty Training from Birth*. London: Vermilion. Pinnington, A. (2011) *Pirate Pete's Potty: Potty Training for Boys*. London: Ladybird. Pinnington, A. (2011) *Pirate Pete's Potty: Potty Training for Boys*. London: Ladybird. Ockwell-Smith, S. (2017) *The Gentle Potty Training Book: The Calm Parents' Guide to Helping Your Child*. London: Piatkus. ERIC, (2020) ‘Potty Training: A Guide for Parents’ [pdf] Available at: https://eric.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/eric-pottyLeaflet- 2020-web.pdf [Accessed 23 August 2024] Glowacki, J. (2015) *Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to Do It Once and Do It Right*. London: Scribe UK. Pantley, E. (2006) ‘The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night’. New York: McGraw-Hill. www.thelittlelearningcentre.co.uk info@thelittlelearningcentre +44 7488 281744 WE HOPE THIS LITTLE DOCUMENT HAS HELP! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US