How should toilet training be in children?

Toilet training is one of the most important habits to be acquired during childhood. Providing toilet training in the right way at the right time is very important for the child’s psychological development. Mistakes made during the toilet training process may have consequences that may negatively affect the child’s personality in the future. In this context, it is very important for parents to act consciously, not to force the child ahead of time, and to stay away from wrong practices and behaviors that may make the process more difficult. Let’s examine the details of the toilet training process in children together.

When does toilet training begin in children?

In order to start toilet training, children must first complete their muscle development. In addition, the child’s ability to express himself/herself comfortably must be at a sufficient level. In this context;

• If your child is between 18 and 36 months old,
• If your child can urinate in one go,
• If the diaper remains dry for more than 2 hours,
• If your child can sit or stand for a few minutes without getting bored,
• After going to the toilet in his diaper, he becomes uncomfortable and wants to take off his diaper,
• Asks questions about toilet use and wonders about toilet habits.

It can be said that now is the time for toilet training.

It is recommended that the toilet training process in children begins between the 18th and 36th months. However, considering individual differences, it should be taken into consideration that this time may vary for each child. Because children’s development rates are different from each other.

In the process of deciding on toilet training, it is necessary to consider the child’s physical and psychological readiness level. For example, if he can pull his pants on himself or put together simple toy parts, his small muscle skills can be said to be developed. Also, toilet training becomes much easier for children who have regular eating skills, as their toilet needs will be scheduled regularly.

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How to Give Toilet Training to Children?

Before starting toilet training, the child must be carefully mentally prepared for this process by his or her parents. While changing the diaper, the stages of toilet use should be mentioned, the words pee and poop should be used, and then both the parent’s and the child’s hands should be washed. After the child learns these, the next step is to introduce the potty. The purpose of the potty should be explained to the child, and the child should even be shown how to use the potty with a toy.

Once the child has adopted the idea of ​​the potty, toilet training can begin. During this process, it is necessary to place the potty in a place that the child can easily reach at home. This way, the child knows that he can reach the potty whenever he wants. During the training, the child should be encouraged to sit on the potty at regular intervals during the day. Especially after eating, the child must be made to sit on the potty. When the child uses the potty, it should be appreciated and even small rewards should be given to reinforce the behavior.

Children who use the potty regularly can then gradually transition to normal toilet use. This period may also vary from child to child. If children are sometimes afraid of the toilets used by adults and do not want to use them, the child should not be forced. It should never be forgotten that toilet training is a habit that will develop over time.

The part of the toilet training process that worries parents is how to proceed at night. If your child can go to the toilet during the day without leaking, he or she will not want to wet the bed at night. However, children feel that they have to pee at the last moment at night, and they may not be able to hold back their pee because they usually wake up when they are about to wet the bed. For this purpose, the potty should be kept close to the child at night to create the feeling that he can use it whenever he wants. Additionally, the need to go to the toilet can be reduced by stopping fluid intake an hour or two before bedtime. Before putting him to bed, the bladder should be emptied by taking him to the potty or toilet. Night control may not be immediate, so be patient and never rush.

Let’s come to the most important question: Should diapers be worn at night or not? At this point, putting the diaper on and taking it off will confuse the child. A diaper should not be worn at night because if there is a diaper, the child will trust the diaper and will not feel the need to hold in his/her pee. Therefore, a bed protector should be worn under the child’s sheets at night and precautions should be taken against the bed getting wet.

If you really think your child is ready for toilet training, be patient and don’t give up. Keep in mind that as parents, you need to be determined and consistent in toilet training, as in every education given to the child.

Mistakes Made in Toilet Training?

Starting       toilet training before the child is ready

Parents should observe their children very carefully and decide carefully whether they are really ready for toilet training. The child should not be forced prematurely by comparing him/her with other children, older sisters or older brothers.

Coinciding        with toilet training during a difficult period

Toilet training is a tiring process that requires patience on the part of the parent and involves many tasks such as waking the child at night and cleaning the bed if he or she wets the bed. Therefore, it would be more appropriate to start toilet training when the parent feels well. It is also important for the child to choose a quiet period. The child may experience difficulties when it coincides with processes such as moving, giving birth to a sibling, or starting kindergarten.

• Being hasty

It is very important for parents to be patient during toilet training. Sometimes, just when the child thinks he has completed his toilet training, he may show regression behavior. In such cases, it is necessary to approach the child without putting pressure on him or her, while remaining calm.

• Continuing to tie diapers at night

After daytime control is achieved, night time should be carried out. Diapering at night disrupts toilet training and causes confusion in the child.

Sitting on the potty or toilet for long periods of time

• Getting angry and scolding when he does something to himself
• Worrying the child by constantly asking if there is a toilet
• Excessive attention to the child

How Long Does Toilet Training Take in Children?

Daytime control for toilet training in children is completed by 6 months. Night control may last until 4-5 years of age. If bedwetting continues after the age of 5, it should first be checked whether the child has a physical illness and then, if necessary, help should be sought from a child mental health specialist.