Toilet training is one of the most important milestones in toddler development. However, there are a lot of misconceptions that parents believe regarding this matter.
For instance, there’s a prevalent notion that toilet training should coincide with a specific age, that punishment should be included in the process, and that the training will go smoothly if they follow certain guidelines.
The truth about toilet training, however, is that it has a major positive impact on the child and the parents. This article explains why toilet training is essential for parents and children.
Signs of readiness for toilet training
One of the most crucial factors in toilet training is readiness. However, parents tend to neglect these readiness signs even if they are visible due to a lack of information.
Since every child is unique in their development, understanding the signs of toilet training readiness is the most effective way to find the right toilet training method for them.
Moreover, it helps you find the personalized toilet training method for your child and is thought to promote positivity. This is because toilet training readiness signs can enhance the child’s confidence, communication skills, and independence.
Preparing for toilet training
There are two things that you can do to make sure that the whole toilet training process is stress-free for both you and your child:
Set the right environment and create a positive atmosphere
The right environment can be created by ensuring the bathroom is clean and the situation is calming. Moreover, eliminate any distractions that might divert your child’s attention from the toilet training process. For example, the strong scent of air freshener or a child’s toy they ask to bring.
Choose the right equipment
The choice of potty training tools significantly impacts the success of your child’s toilet training. However, due to the diverse options of available potty training tools, many parents find it confusing and end up purchasing the wrong choice for their child. Here is the list of the recommended toilet training equipment:
- Potty chair;
- Plastic or wooden stool;
- Seat reducer; and
- Flushable wipes
Effective toilet training techniques
Choosing the right method is expected to bring positive outcomes for both parent and child, such as helping your child become toilet-trained faster and less stressfully. Here are some toilet training methods that you can choose for your and your child’s toilet training journey:
- Child-oriented method: This method encourages parents to wait until the child shows toilet training readiness signs before starting the process.
- Three-day potty training method: This method is very suitable for parents who want to toilet-train their child in a short period of time.
- Parent-led method: This method focuses on the parents’ role in initiating toilet training through a specific schedule. This strategy necessitates parents establishing a particular timetable for training sessions and consistently reminding the child to utilize the restroom at predetermined intervals.
Parents play an active part in urging and motivating the child to use the potty, irrespective of whether or not the child exhibits signs of preparedness.
Health and developmental aspects
Aside from satisfaction matters, toilet training can also positively affect your child’s health and development.
Understanding the impact of toilet training on a child’s physical health
Toilet training can keep your child away from physical health issues like diaper dermatitis. Diaper dermatitis, or rash, often occurs when your child wears a diaper for a long duration, especially due to the humidity of the diaper and the low hygiene level of the used diaper.
Therefore, research also suggests that parents should initiate toilet training before their child turns two years old, as this has been shown to reduce the incidence of diaper dermatitis.
Promoting independence through toilet training
Toilet training can also have positive impacts on your child’s well-being. Their sense of independence will escalate once they are toilet-trained. This is because, after toilet training, they understand what to do when they want to use the toilet, and they can do it all by themselves.
Celebrate milestones
The whole toilet training process can be complex and challenging for both your child and you. Therefore, it is important to recognize and appreciate your child’s progress and achievements. This appreciation will also reinforce your child’s confidence. Furthermore, the progress that both of you have made will make it easier for you as a parent to understand them better.
Role of parental support in overcoming challenges
Toilet training cannot be done without parents’ help and support. Even if it is suggested that toilet training is best if it is child-led, the role of parents is still one of the essential aspects of toilet training. For instance, parents significantly contribute by offering effective strategies to their children, which makes the process of toilet training easier.
Some challenges arise during toilet training, including constipation, regression, and children’s fear. Parents should remain calm and positive to overcome these challenges, as negativity will only ruin the whole process.
Just note that every kind of challenge is normal, and you are your child’s role model. So being positive when facing those challenges will also inspire your child to stay calm in overcoming their problems.
Read more: Growing Together: The Importance of Parent-Child Co-Regulation
In conclusion
Toilet training is a challenging yet delightful journey for both parents and child as it marks important milestones in their lives. Toilet training also positively impacts a child’s life, from physical health to physiological and social aspects.
For parents, maintaining a positive approach during toilet training is strongly recommended. Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways of educating your child since it motivates your child to learn and behave well, boosts their confidence and self-esteem, as well as strengthens the bond between you two.
If you would like to see more resources on toilet training, check out the Parenting Science Labs. The lab uses the research of the Institute for Life Management Science to produce courses, certifications, podcasts, videos, and other tools. Visit the Parenting Science Labs today.
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