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| Toilet training a child in care |
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Toilet training is a major milestone in a child's development and saying good bye to nappies is a day of celebration for
parents. Though it can be a tricky time for both parent and child, once mastered the newfound skills
provide a child with increased self-esteem and independence.
Children are ready for toilet training at different times, and it is important that toilet training
is only started when a child is ready. No child will learn if they are forced to and it can lead to unnecessary
stress and anxiety. But when a child begins to show interest in the toilet, can pull clothes on and off,
and recognises the need to 'go', it might be time to try.
For a child in child care, the role of the carer in toilet training is invaluable, and they will
be able to advise on whether they have seen any signs of readiness. Child care providers are in a unique
position to include toilet training in their daily program, particularly if they have several toilet-training
children in the same group.
Educators can read stories, play games and sing songs to teach the steps and scaffold a child's
natural curiosity. In addition, children also often feel more comfortable and motivated to be involved
when they see their peers are going through the same processes.
Consistency is key
Once you have decided that your child will begin toilet training, consistency between home and child
care is vital. Discuss with the centre what their methods are for toilet training and agree a program
that can implemented both at home and at the service.
This may include how often to put your child on the toilet and any rewards that might be used, such
as stickers. Try to avoid using food-based rewards such as lollies as this cannot be replicated in the
child care setting.
Also discuss with the carer how they communicate progress - some centres might use a whiteboard,
others might use a diary or book to indicate what has happened each day. At the beginning of a week,
always talk to the educators to tell them how the toilet training went over the weekend. If you try something
new at home, ensure you tell the educators so they can try to accommodate it in their classroom program
for your child.
If you are unsure about toilet training processes at your early childhood service, here are a few
questions to ask your centre:
- Do they have a specific age in which the require toilet training? (Some centres won't allow a child
to progress into the next room until they are out of nappies)
- What is the process if a child has an accident?
- Is there one carer who is responsible for monitoring your child's toileting cues?
- Does the centre encourage independence by going through all steps – including washing and drying hands?
Practical tips for parents
There are many things you can do as a parent to make the toilet training experience at child care
an easier one. Always dress your child in easy-to-remove clothing, and spend time at home making sure
they are able to remove their clothes themselves.
Pack several changes of clothes for your child, and label every item clearly - even the undies!
Pop a nappy or a pair of training pants in your child's bag if she still has a nap during the day. Ensure
your child has a good intake of high-fibre foods at home, and in their lunchbox if they have one. Talk
positively at home about using the toilet and explain that it is a natural process.
Be prepared for setbacks, particularly if your child has a change in routine or experiences some
change at home. Setbacks particularly happen after holidays, or long breaks. Even when toileting is mastered,
a child will still be prone to having accidents for several months - they might be too busy playing,
or just had a big drink before heading out into the sandpit and forget to go.
Be patient and communicate any concerns to the centre if it seems as though accidents are become
more regular.
Remember, child care providers have toilet trained many children, so they will have lots of great
suggestions on how best to approach the process. By working in partnership toilet training will be a
much less daunting and more rewarding experience for the child and hopefully a smooth transition for
everyone else as well!
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