How to teach children to go to the bathroom
A set of steps can be followed to teach the child to go to the bathroom, which are as follows:
- Using the baby potty: The child should be gradually trained to use the children's pot. At first, he can be allowed to sit on it fully clothed, then explain the purpose of it in a pleasant and simple way that the child understands, and try to keep him sitting on it for a longer period by reading a story or singing to him.
- Follow a routine: Following a specific routine with the child makes it easier to teach him to go to the bathroom. This can be achieved by taking the child to the potty, to sit on it at regular intervals during the day and continuously, especially immediately after waking up, half an hour after eating meals or a little less, and when he shows signs He needs to relieve himself.
- Praise the child: The child can be motivated and encouraged by praising him and showing the parents their pride in him and their happiness with him, even if the progress is slow. It is advised to avoid criticizing or scolding him when he is exposed to possible accidents, such as wetting himself, and to quickly clean him up calmly.
- Setting a role model for the child: Seeing his older sibling or parent going to the toilet helps the child understand and respond to the issue of going to the bathroom faster.
- Do not force the child to go to the bathroom: The child should not be forced or pushed to enter the bathroom, especially if he does not show interest in this issue, as he may not be ready for it at the present time and it should be postponed for several additional weeks.
Tools to teach a child to use the bathroom
There are some tools available that help teach the child to go to the bathroom easier and faster and make him enjoy it. Some children prefer the potty to the bathroom because it does not make them feel afraid and they can move it from one place to another easily. Parents can also encourage their child to use the bathroom by placing a seat. Small fits on top of a large toilet seat and as a stool to rest his feet while sitting.
Read also:How do I strengthen the character of my two-year-old child?Difficulties in teaching children to use the bathroom and confronting them
Below are the most prominent difficulties that parents face in teaching their children to use the bathroom and how to confront them:
- Failure to succeed in the first attempt in teaching the use of the toilet, as this indicates the child’s lack of readiness. You should not be disturbed by this and postpone teaching the child to use the bathroom for a period ranging from one to three months.
- Constipation occurs in the child and his inability to excrete in the pot or toilet, which may cause painful problems with his intestines. This problem can be eliminated by resorting to diapers again, consulting a doctor, and trying again to teach him to go to the bathroom after treating constipation.
- When a child reaches the age of 4 years or older and is unable to use the toilet successfully and is unable to go to the bathroom, this requires speaking and consulting a doctor.
The extent to which the child is ready to enter the bathroom
Parents must realize that teaching a child to use the bathroom will not happen overnight, as it may take from 3 to 6 months to get rid of diapers completely. Before starting to train the child to do this, you must ensure the extent of his readiness for this matter by monitoring the following:
- Show the child an interest in the potty.
- The child's ability to control himself, and this can be known by keeping his diaper dry for several hours.
- The child has regular, predictable bowel movements, or knows when he wants to relieve himself; Such as going to another room, or hiding behind furniture.
- The child's ability to sit on the toilet seat or potty in a steady and balanced manner.
- The child knows the time when he needs to go to the bathroom and informs his family about it.
