Once your child feels comfortable and confident that they have “mastered” some or all of these experiences, they are ready for the next steps. It can be helpful to think of toilet learning as a partnership with your child in which you both have your own jobs to do. It is the parent’s responsibility to create a supportive learning environment.
YOUR JOB IS TO:
Wait until your child has shown most of the readiness signals (First Circle teachers will share their assessment with you)
Proceed slowly and take signals from your child
Recognize your child is in control of his or her body
Teach your child words for body parts, and the process
Create an environment to ensure success (such as a potty seat or small potty, etc.)
Expect and handle “accidents” without emotion
Avoid punishment as well as too much praise around toilet use (it can make children feel bad when they aren’t successful)
YOUR CHILD’S JOB IS TO:
Learn their body’s signals for when they need to use the toilet