Early Start Australia
If you are a new parent or caregiver, at some point in the near future you will be wondering about toilet training and thinking about when a good time is to start. This is a topic you will get plenty of opinions on – from other parents, family members, health professionals, and others… You know your child best, so the right time to tackle this exciting milestone is the time that both you and your child are ready.
You will know YOU (as the courageous person embarking on this journey) are ready when:
- You have selected the equipment you will use – potty or toilet seat
- You have the right clothing for your child that is easy to remove
- You are armed with your positive reinforcers of choice (e.g. toys, sticker chart)
- You’ve chosen the words and terminology you will use with your child (e.g. wees, poos)
- You’ve chosen the method you will use – ‘Wait and Catch’, ‘Sit and Wait’, or ‘Intensive’.
You will know YOUR CHILD is ready when:
- They can get themselves on and off a toilet/ potty
- They can stay long enough on a toilet/ potty to do what they need to do
- They can express a need to go (through words, expressions, actions or pictures)
- They show an awareness of the right places to ‘go’ to the toilet.
If you and your child are ticking all the above boxes and are ready to give it a go, here are a few more things to consider:
- It’s a bit nicer to start in warmer weather when removing clothes and sitting in a cool bathroom is more comfortable
- Make sure all family members are aware of the plan and are supportive
- Toilet training is trial and error and can take time. Be patient, and be kind to yourself and your child.
If you are concerned that your child is not showing signs of readiness and are behind their peers with toileting, it’s always best to consult with your GP, who may recommend seeing an occupational therapist.
Occupational therapists are able to determine why your child may be experiencing delays and will work with you to problem-solve any challenges.
