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| My Toddler
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It’s About Time
Potty-training pointers to help your tot do away with diapers.
By Christina Ching and Julia Goh
When exactly is the right time to potty-train your tot? We give you an easy guide.
12-18 months
Successful toilet-training in one so young is unlikely, but you can start to familiarise your baby with the potty ? let her play with one and allow her watch when you visit the loo.
18-24 months
Children who are dry before age 2 are in the minority. Encourage your little one by letting her have diaper-free time, so that she’ll start to realise when she needs to pee. Put her on the potty at regular times, such as before her bath. Don’t expect her to do anything, but if she does, shower her with praise.
24-36 months
Most toddlers get potty-trained during their third year, although boys are often later starters than girls. Look for signs of readiness, such as if she tells you when she needs to pee or poop, has a dry diaper for several hours at a time, and shows an interest in the potty.
3 years and up
Long after achieving dryness during the day, toddlers still need a diaper at night. Don’t panic if night-time dryness is slow in coming - as many as 20 per cent of children still wet themselves at night at age 5 - just reassure your sweetie that she’s not alone.
Toilet Terrors
Potty-training fears your toddler may be experiencing....
Potty-training fears are common among toddlers. After all, she's exchanging the security of a snug diaper for a big, cold thing with a giant hole that might swallow her up! Up till this point, your tot could just do her business in her diaper, since she didn’t need to exercise bladder or bowel control. Addressing your child’s fears will help her feel more relaxed and comfortable during toilet-training, since she’ll know that you understand and are trying to help.
Fear of making a mistake
As your tot is just beginning to control her bodily functions and is less than perfect, she might worry that she will be punished for accidents. Assure your little one that you are there for her, and when accidents happen, don’t make a big deal. Simply clean up and tell her that you know she's trying.
Fear of falling in
This is common when your child has mastered the small potty and moves on to the toilet. You can help lessen her fear by buying a child seat that fits on your toilet ? this will help your tot feel more secure.
Fear of automatically flushing public toilets
Children are often afraid when public toilets flush while they are peeing. “The only way I could coax my daughter to use the public toilet was if I went first, which reassured her,” says Tay Lay Cheng, 34, a human resource manager, and mum to 3-year-old Rachel. “Her new practice is to enter the stall with her hands over her ears, and keep them there until she leaves the stall. It seems to be working.” |
If you have any comments or practical suggestions, write to us at editor@family.sg
- Mother & Baby
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