Because of their disability, children take longer to toilet train. This is often because the nerve, muscle development and their coordination take longer to establish. However it is important that toilet training is not neglected or delayed because learning to stay clean and dry develops a child’s independence and dignity. The best time to start this process is around three years of age or when the child is showing signs of knowing when they are wet or dirty. It is important not to expect too much too soon.

The three most important factors in teaching the child to use the toilet successfully are:

• A consistent planned approach which includes parents, teachers and carers with parents having the most important role.
• Patience and positive encouragement
• The child’s willingness to take part in the process

A step by step planned approach has been found to be the most successful.

• Begin by noticing and recording, over several days how often the child is wet and dirty. This is done by checking the nappy or trainer pants every 15 – 20 min's.
• It is a good idea to plan to do this over a week-end especially devoted to this purpose. You will then be able to work out how often your child is wet. You will also be able to note when your child is dirty and this is important because it tends to happen at the same time each day and if you take your child to the toilet close to this time the child is more likely to poo and you have started on the road to success.
• If you have discovered that your child is wet every 40 min's plan to take him/her to the toilet every twenty minutes and gradually increase the time until you catch the right moment and some pee in the potty. Make sure that you record this.
• It is a good idea to give something to drink 15 minutes before taking your child to the toilet.
• Some parents find that an egg timer is useful for reminding them when it is toilet time again. It is also useful for reminding the child and can act as a trigger in the early days
• You could also develop other signs to help your child to communicate when it is time to go to the toilet
• Make the process fun by having a special toy in the bathroom especially for the toilet sessions. Music may also be helpful
• Have a positive and happy attitude and give lots of praise and hugs when the child performs successes fully
• Make sure that your child knows you are pleased that she is dry and clean and not because she does pee and poo
• Remember accidents will happen so do not reprimand or punish when they do just clean up and say something like “Oh you are trying so hard so better luck next time”
• Never force your child to sit on the toilet, try not to shout or get angry, just stick to your plan and try again at the next session.
• Never leave your child on the toilet for longer than five minutes.
• Make sure your child sees other members of the family using the toilet because seeing is the best way of teaching by example, especially when it involves members of the child’s own family.
• Dress the child in clothes that are easy for them to remove and encourage them to pull their pants up and down by themselves.
  
  

Frances Byatt-Smith RN RHV BA Psychology

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