by Tania Mcloughlin

Created on: May 17, 2009

Preparing a child for the 'grown-up world' of self toileting can seem daunting in the midst of nappies (diapers) and the poo that covers every part of skin inside of them. As a parent you have begun picking up tid-bits of information about when to start and how, probably from sources like the 'Huggies' (nappy brand) website and friends who have traveled the most common path- which can seemingly be the easiest. The common methods involve waiting for the child to be 'ready', and rewarding a task which should be as common as eating.

Question yourself what you the parent are waiting for in the child.

Is it A. When the child can associate they are eliminating or have a need to eliminate? *Every baby has this skill from birth but lacks the learned art to communicate it effectively with adults who giggle and see the little grunts as 'cute' - even though often you know there is an elimination coming or in progress.

Is it B. When the child can effectively communicate with you most of the time their need to 'go'? *This can be taught from as early as a few months with a simple sign (tapping leg or ear), or sound (psss), at which point you can make the effort to catch elimination in a washable 'potty' designated receptacle.

Or is it C. When the child is able to get themselves to the potty, sit, and eliminate unaided? *I mentioned nothing of undressing, this can be achieved by a child as young as 7 or 8 months. Remember, even a three year old sometimes needs help to un-dress and re-dress and wipe.

Maybe D. Perhaps when the child can use big toilet, attempt wipes, and attempt dressing. *Which can be done before 18 months.

Consider this; Is it good practice to allow your child to 'learn' a skill which you know you will have to re-train, and society does not condone in the long term? Eg. Bad mouthing strangers, or soiling one's pants.

So, some steps to prepare your child for active self toileting are in the questions above, they can be started on a child of any age, but generally the earlier the better providing you are healed and ready after the birth (from a Cesarean Section in particular). The steps equate to something like this.

A. Watch for and learn your child's natural signs of impending elimination; grunt, breath catch, (from newborn) stare, shiver, stops what was doing, goes to quiet place, (baby to toddler). Reinforce the babies knowledge of self by confirming, ''Look's like wee/poo coming, lets go potty'', and do or say your cue. Small babies who do not

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