1. Niagara Children's Centre 905-688-3550

2. Family Resource Programs at the ECCDC905.646.7311

3. Ontario Early Years Centre905 938 9392

4. Niagara Region Public Health905-688-3762

5. Current Doctor

6. Current Child Care Centre

Signs That Your Child is Ready:

telling

• Gives a physical or verbal sign when he's having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or

• Understands the value of putting things where they belong.

• Can follow simple instructions, such as ‘Give the ball to daddy’

• Can pull pants up and down

• Has regular, soft, formed bowel movements

• Has dry sleeps for up to two hours

• Becoming interested in watching others go to the toilet (this can be awkward or make you uncomfortable at first, but is a good way to introduce things)

• Becoming generally more independent when it comes to completing tasks

• Walking and sitting for short periods of time

The Wonderful

World of Potty Training

123 Strawberry BVLD, Welland, ON, L3B 2B9Sparkles Childcare Centre By: Sharon McDonald

For more information visit the following resources:

Important Don’ts- Don’t compare your child to another child. Every child’s progress is different.

- Don’t force your child to go to the bathroom.

- Don’t use negative words when your child has an accident.

- Don’t dress your child in clothing that is difficult to get on and off during the training period (such as onesies)

Step-by-Step Guide to Potty Training

1. Introduce the Potty – Children typically start potty training between 18 and 24

months. Start talking about potty training around 1st birthday to

raise awareness about going to the washroom on the potty and

make your child comfortable with the overall concept.

2. Look for Signs of Readiness – Refer to the list in the brochure. 3. Pick and Buy the Right

Potty - Stick with one potty in the bathroom for repeated use, so

you don't have to retrain your child down the road to transition

from several potties to one

Accidents WILL happen: How to Prevent and Handle Accidents

childcare.underwear and clothing handy, especially at school or in

• Be prepared. If your child has frequent accidents, absorbent underwear might be best. Keep a change of

• Stay calm. Children don't have accidents to irritate us. Don’t add to the embarrassment by scolding/disciplining your child. Instead say, "You forgot this time. Next time you'll get to the bathroom sooner."

• Offer reminders. Accidents often happen when engaged in activities that are more interesting than using the toilet. To fight this phenomenon, suggest regular bathroom trips, such as first thing in the morning or after each meal/snack. Point out telltale signs of holding it, such as holding the genital area.

4. Choose the Right Time Carefully -Even if your child seems ready, avoid potty training during transitional or stressful times (ex. moving, taking a vacation, or adding a new baby to the family). Children trying to learn this new skill will do best if they are relaxed and on their regular routine.5. Demonstrate the Potty Training Methods - When you're ready to start training, choose certain times in the day to take your child to the potty (whether or not he has to go). Then, whether or not he actually goes potty, instruct to flush and wash hands. Of course, always praise for trying.6. Ditch the diapers - After several weeks of successful potty breaks, your child might be ready to trade diapers for training pants or regular underwear. Celebrate this transition. Go on a special outing. Let your child select "big kid" underwear.