Do’s and Don’t’s
Parents play a crucial role in the toilet training process. It is in their hands to make the process pleasant and harmonious on the one hand or full of anger and frustration on the other. In order to contribute the most to the success of the toilet training process, parents must commence when they are ready, full of patience, and available for it. It is recommended to adopt a number of principles that will ensure a positive process that will be effective and short, will make an important contribution to the child’s developing personality, will strengthen his confidence and self-image as well as his trust and confidence in his parents.
D0’S
A. Prepare a clear and cohesive plan
When you intend to take your own initiative and begin a toilet training process, make sure you follow a clear and pre-formulated plan.
B. Early preparation
In the early stages of the process, long before taking action such as diaper removal, it is recommended to expose the child to books and videos in the field and thus strengthen awareness about parting from the diaper and switching to toilet use.
C. Remember that there are is variety of ways and methods that can
Work for some and not for others. Adopt what suits you and your child.
D. Be ready to retreat
Progress in the toilet training process is not necessarily on a straight and continuous line. It is often characterized by ups and downs. The approach should be adapted to the pace and style of the child. Sometimes accelerate and sometimes let go. And there are also cases where there is a need to completely stop the process and return to full diaper use.
E. Pay attention to the rhetoric
Your child will notice your language, and intonation – be sure to use constructive terminology.
F. Invest in cooperation
Ensure that a common policy is implemented for all parties involved in toilet training. Grandma, grandpa, kindergarten staff, siblings, etc.
G. Appropriate equipment
Equip yourself with products that will help you keep the house clean and make your life easier – underpads, duvet covers. And lots of underwear!
H. Seek professional guidance.
If the process encounters difficulties – seek professional assistance.
DON’T’S
A. Do not act out of pressure
There are various circumstances that may be a source of pressure on parents to expedite the toilet training process. For example: entrance is getting closer to a compulsory kindergarten. It is advisable for parents to recognize this stress and avoid passing it on to the child as it will not contribute anything to the toilet tra
B. Avoid creating a confrontation with the child
Even when obstacles are encountered during toilet training a confrontation with the child should always be avoided.
C. Avoid expressing anger at the child
Even if the child missed 3 times in a row on the new sofa – anger will only interfere w the process and cause damage.
D. Avoid direct or indirect humiliation
Certain comments, direct or indirect, may hurt the child and will not help the toilet training process at all. For example: “Only small children pee in their pants” or: “Even children smaller than you no longer need a diaper”.
E. Avoid playing “broken records”
The tendency to repeat the same sentences over and over again (such as “pee and poop only in the bathroom” or “next time you will say when you need to”) does not add any new information to the child. He already has all this knowledge. This tendency repeatedly conveys the same expectations from the child and at the same time the disappointment from him. It exhausts the parents, hurts the child and contributes nothing to the toilet training process.3
F. Avoid offering exaggerated rewards
Prizes and reinforcements of all kinds may work positively as the toilet training process progresses smoothly in
cooperating and harmony with the child. When the process encounters an obstacle and when the child no longer responds to rewards and reinforcements – one should stop and try to learn and understand the nature of the obstacle. Repeated attempts to offer larger and more tempting gifts will only be a source of pressure on the child and will not advance the toilet training process.
G. Avoid banging your head against a wall
As a general rule when identifying a child’s lack of response to actions taken or to sentences which are said – their use should be discontinued. Stop useless repeated actions and try to learn and understand the essence of the obstacle.
H. Avoid making demands on the child
Always remember that the toilet training process is the child’s. He owes nothing to the parents. Even if he has already shown abilities and control. Parents should guide, encourage and strengthen but in no way present demands to the child when it comes to instilling cleaning habits.