Toilet training is an important new skill for children to learn. Helen Stroudley is an early years consultant and she has some top tips on how you can get your child toilet trained before they start primary school.
Helen 鈥樷橦i my name is Helen and my job is to help parents give their children the best possible start in life. One of the things that I get asked about is toilet training. Here are some top tips to help you and your child get ready before they start school.鈥欌
Top tips for toilet training
Helen
''First of all, make sure your child鈥檚 clothing is easy to get on and off - elasticated waistbands will be your friend.
"Encourage your child to get dressed and undressed on their own every day, I know it鈥檚 tempting to step in - especially when you鈥檙e in a rush - try to plan ahead and leave extra time.
"It鈥檚 also really important to encourage your child to wash their hands so they get in the habit of it.
"Make sure they have plenty to drink, most schools will let them have a water bottle handy all day. If they don鈥檛 drink enough this may effect their bladder capacity, their learning and their health. Luckily summer is a great time for toilet training simply because your child鈥檚 wearing fewer clothes and they鈥檙e outside more.
"If your child鈥檚 about to start school and they haven鈥檛 quite cracked it yet, don鈥檛 panic, you can speak to your child鈥檚 teacher or health visitor and they will be able to advise you on the best way forward.
Once your child is confident with the practical stuff like toileting and dressing themselves they鈥檒l find the change to school life so much easier and they鈥檒l get off to a great start.''
Tips:
1. Simple clothing, like elasticated waistbands, can help.
2. Encourage independent dressing - they will get better with practice.
3. Encourage hand washing as a habit.
4. Regular drinks will help them and their bladder capacity.
5. Talk to the professionals - teachers or health visitors can offer good advice.
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