Toilet training your child is not always an easy process. And for children with disabilities or developmental delay, it can be even more challenging.
Here are a few ideas from Anna, an Occupational Therapist at Lifestart, to make the toilet training journey smoother:
- Keep it positive. Fear is a big driver for children, and it often affects their toilet training. Common fears include fear of the toilet, letting go, or getting in trouble. If they have an accident, avoid showing negative emotions yourself.
- Think about whether you want to use rewards. Is your child motivated by food? Using small rewards like a raisin or a grape for a successful trip to the toilet can motivate your child and reinforce that they are doing the right thing.
- Get the right equipment. If accidents in the car are an issue for you, you can pet mat like this one from the supermarket. This will soak up any accidents and save stress and time cleaning while your child is learning new skills.
Want to know more?
Lifestart holds group toilet training programs for families who are in the process of toilet training their children with disabilities. In the program you can
- understand the stages and skills in the toileting journey
- learn ways to help your child progress towards toileting independence
- discuss practical strategies to overcome common barriers
- support your child’s toileting success
