2 - 3 years thinking about toilet training

Many parents will start toilet training their child towards the end of the second year when he begins to show an awareness of what’s happening in his nappy. Once their ready, children will usually ‘train’ themselves, but with some simple encouragement from parents, this can happen any time between about 2 years and 3½ years.

Avoid making toilet training a tense affair. There are no timelines that you should be working to – instead try to keep toilet training at a gentle pace your toddler feels comfortable with. Encourage him when he does the right thing but don’t force him to do anything he’s not ready for. While some children will attack toilet training with great enthusiasm, others (and these are usually the neat and fussy toddlers) may resist for fear that he’ll make a mess or a mistake. Gentle encouragement should slowly turn him around, along with a calm approach no matter how big the mess is.

Generally, attempting to toilet train your child before he turns two is unproductive. If you find tensions arising around toileting issues, try leaving toilet training for a couple of weeks (or months) before giving it another go. Although it’s a great relief to be finished with nappies, and for some of us that day can't come soon enough, don’t push your toddler because eventually he will get there.

REMEMBER!

Toilet training is fairly straightforward if your child is motivated, interested and relaxed, but if you’re constantly chasing around behind him with a potty, you’ll only get an upset and tense child who may steadfastly refuse to co-operate.

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This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot. Sources include SA Government’s Parenting and Child Health, Raising Children Network and Vic. Govt’s Better Health Channel