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Potty training tips Children are able to control their bladder and bowels when they’re physically ready, and when they want to be dry and clean. Every child is different, so it’s best not to compare your child with others. Bear in mind the following:
It usually takes a little longer to learn to stay dry throughout the night. Although most children learn this between the ages of three and five, it is estimated that a quarter of three-year-olds and one in six five-year-olds wet the bed.
When to start potty trainingIt helps to remember that you can’t force your child to use a potty. If they're not ready, you won’t be able to make them use it. In time they will want to use it; your child won’t want to go to school in nappies any more than you would want them to. In the meantime, the best thing you can do is to encourage the behaviour you want. Most parents start thinking about potty training when their child is around 18 to 24 months old, but there’s no perfect time. It’s probably easier to start in the summer, when washed nappies dry more quickly and there are fewer clothes to take off. Do it over a period of time when there are no great disruptions or changes to your child’s or your family’s routine. You can try to work out when your child is ready. There are a number of signs that your child is starting to develop bladder control:
Potty training is usually fastest if your child is at the last stage before you start the training. If you start earlier, be prepared for a lot of accidents as your child learns. How to start potty training
Coping with a disabled childSome children with illnesses or disabilities find it more difficult to learn functions such as sleeping through the night or using a toilet. This might be linked to their medical condition or disability, and it can be challenging for them and for you. Common potty-training problemsMy child isn’t interested in using the potty at all.Try not to worry. Remind yourself that, sooner or later, your child will want to be dry for their own sake. If they start to see potty training as a battle of wills with you, it’ll be much harder. My child keeps wetting himself.You’ve got two options: you could go back to nappies for a while and try again in a few weeks, or you can keep trying now but be prepared to change and wash clothes a lot. Whatever you decide, don't let it get you or your child down, and don’t put pressure on them. Talk to other parents about how they coped. You also don’t want to confuse your child by stopping and starting too often. So if you do stop, leave it for a few weeks before you start again. Just when I think things are going well, there’s an accident.Accidents will happen for a while so when your child does use the potty or manage to stay dry, even if it’s just for a short time, let them know how pleased you are. Even though accidents can be very frustrating, try not to show your child your frustration. Explain that you want them to use the potty or toilet next time. If your child starts to worry, the problem could get worse. My child was dry for a while, but now they’ve started wetting themselves again.If your child has been dry for a while, either at night, during the day or both, and then starts wetting themselves again, it can mean they have a bladder infection, constipation or threadworms. Ask your doctor for more advice. Alternatively, there may be an emotional reason. Disruption (such as moving house, or a new baby arriving) or a change of routine can often have an effect. The best thing you can do is be understanding and sympathetic. Your child will almost certainly be upset about the lapse and won’t be doing it on purpose. My child is about to start school and is still not dry.By this age, your child is likely to be just as upset by wetting as you are. They need to know that you’re on their side and that you’re going to help them solve the problem.
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