How to Encourage Independent Toileting for Preschoolers
Your child will display many signs to indicate that he is finally ready to start using the bathroom on his own. These signs include his ability to undress himself, interest in learning about potty training through books and videos, staying dry for several hours and being uncomfortable in a soiled diaper or pull-up. You can help your child by guiding him through this process and having a positive attitude as he works his way through this milestone.
Things You'll Need
- Potty seat
- Foot stool
Instructions
Talk to your child about the process. Let him know that accidents may happen. If he does have an accident, make light of it to avoid making your child self-conscious or giving him performance anxiety. Set up a kid zone in the bathroom. Place a potty chair in the bathroom. Place a stool by the toilet for an older child so she can reach the toilet by herself. Add nearby books to help relax your child. Use blue toilet cleaner if the color appeals to your child. Have your child take periodic restroom breaks to avoid unnecessary accidents. Twenty to 30 minutes is a good goal. Make certain your child uses the restroom at high probability times, such as at bedtime and after meals. Show by imitation. Demonstrate how to sit on the toilet, how to wipe and how to properly wash hands, or have an influential older sibling demonstrate. Have dad show your son how to lift the toilet seat and how to aim. This skill will take some time to acquire, so be patient with the inevitable mess. Drop a few pieces of round cereal inside the toilet for your son. Tell him to aim at the cereal to help his ability to get his urine stream aligned with the toilet. Use positive reinforcement. Praise or give affection to your child after she goes to the bathroom by herself (See References 1). Repeat the process when she remembers all of the essential steps, like wiping correctly and washing her hands. Set up an incentive system. The type of incentive you use is up to you. Some options include making a sticker chart of her progress, depositing a coin in a piggy bank for each toilet ̶0;deposit,̶1; giving him candy or presenting him with toilet-training toys after successful independent toileting times. Use appropriate language to refer to the process. Designate terms with your child that refer to bowel movements and urination that he can understand (See References 6). Let your child take the lead in the independent toileting process (See References 9). Your child will ultimately decide when he wants and is able to go to the bathroom without your assistance. Talk to his preschool teacher about his progress and what he can and can't do on his own in the bathroom. If he is going to the bathroom alone at home most of the time, but his teacher helps him everytime when he goes at school, you need to address this difference (See References 2). Consistency is key when it comes to toilet training.
