Many mothers struggle to determine the right time to teach their children to stop using diapers and become independent when using the toilet. This process can be long and challenging for many.
Dr. Rania Mustafa, a pediatric and neonatology specialist, explains:
“The best time to teach your child to stop using diapers is during the summer months. It’s easier to remove diapers, and children need to get used to it from the age of two. However, mothers should avoid comparing their children to others and should dedicate themselves fully to the child during the early stages of training.”
Here are some tips for starting to potty train your child:
- Communicate with Your Child: Start by talking to your child and setting a schedule, taking them to the toilet every one to two hours. Let them sit on the toilet for five to ten minutes.
- Encourage Understanding: Even if your child speaks little or not at all, keep talking to them. They will understand and learn over time.
- Positive Reinforcement: Encourage your child while they are on the toilet by clapping and singing to them.
- Avoid Negative Reactions: Do not hit, threaten, or yell at your child.
- Use Imitation: Use their favorite toy and place it in the toilet to encourage the child to mimic this behavior.
- Handle Mistakes Calmly: If your child makes a mistake shortly after leaving the toilet, remain calm and do not punish them.
- Celebrate Success: When your child successfully uses the toilet, celebrate with them. Make them feel accomplished and increase their sense of pride with praise from family members.
- Make the Bathroom Fun: If your child is afraid of the bathroom, make it enjoyable. Buy them a small step stool and colorful stickers to help them overcome their fear.
- Timely Training: Potty training after 3.5 years can be more challenging and stubborn, so don’t hesitate to start early.
- Daytime Training: Successfully removing diapers during the day solves 90% of the problem.
- Nighttime Tips: Reduce liquid and fruit intake at night and avoid making your child upset before bedtime.
- Pre-Bedtime Routine: Ensure your child goes to the toilet right before bedtime.
- Gradual Independence: Over time, encourage your child to undress and go to the bathroom on their own.
By following these tips, mothers can help make the transition from diapers to independent toilet use smoother and more effective.
