Has your child reached the stage when they are ready for toilet training? The best time to start toilet training is dependent on each individual child. At Emirates British Nursery we believe in encouraging and supporting children to develop at their own pace. When children are ready, there are a few clues to look out for. In this article we share tips to help the process of toilet training for young children.
How do you know if your child is ready for toilet training?
When children start to show signs that they are aware of their toilet needs, this is usually when they are ready to begin toilet training. Pulling at their nappy or expressing a need for the toilet are signs that they are ready. You might notice how the children become observant of the toilet habits of other people in the home as they start to become more aware of their own bodies.
How to prepare for toilet training?
You may need to spend the first few days at home when you are first setting the foundations for toilet training. During the training period, make sure that you carry around plenty of extra wipes and changes of clothes. A portable potty is also very useful and a good introduction for your child before moving to the toilet.
Tips to support the toilet training process
- Make sure that you communicate with your child clearly about what is expected from them.
- Look out for the hints and clues that your child may need the toilet so that you can remind them to go to the bathroom.
- Ask them throughout the day at routine times like when they wake up and before bedtime if they need to go to the bathroom.
- Use a toilet training song to make it fun and help remind children of the process.
- If there are any setbacks, try to reassure them in a calm and gentle manner. The most important thing is that they feel safe and secure.
- Don’t make a big deal about cleaning up any messes and assure your child that everything will be fine.
- If your child is finding it too challenging, it is ok to pause the training and start again in a few weeks.
- Create a star chart for positive reinforcement.
If you would like some additional support, there are lots of good books about toilet training that you can use as a reference. When you have begun training with your child at home, it is vital that you inform your child’s teacher so that we can support the process when they are at nursery. Creating healthy routines is part of the children’s learning and development; nursery helps with instilling good habits from a young age.
The state-of-the-art facilities at the EBN nurseries enhance the children’s learning experience in all areas. Most of our classrooms have bathrooms attached which supports independent toilet training. Our classrooms are set up for continuous provision focusing on the seven areas of development within the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. The areas are changed throughout the day according to the individual child’s interests.
