How and when to start potty training (latihan tandas) ?

Q: Hi docs, when is the best time to start potty train a toddler? my daughter is almost two now. And, what are the steps of training for it to be effective? Thank you. (Nur)

A:  Generally you can start around 18-24 month old. What is more important is to assess your child’s readiness before beginning the toilet training process. At the very least, the toddler should be able to indicate wants and needs verbally, and should have the motor skills to sit on, and rise from, the potty chair.

• Does your child seem interested in the potty chair or toilet, or in wearing underwear?
• Can your child understand and follow basic directions?
• Does your child tell you through words, facial expressions or posture when he or she needs to go?
• Does your child stay dry for periods of two hours or longer during the day?
• Does your child complain about wet or dirty diapers?
• Can your child pull down his or her pants and pull them up again?
• Can your child sit on and rise from a potty chair?

If your answer is mainly no, then delay training. Initiating toilet training too early can create stress for the child and the caregiver and ultimately prolong the toilet training process. When you begin to potty train your child, non-punitive, reward-based techniques are more effective and that your recognition of your child’s willingness to participate and affection are the best rewards.

Make them proud for taking care of their own toilet needs. Setbacks are common. You need to understand that the process of learning self-management may not be a quick one, and that occasional relapses need not be seen as failures (on anybody’s part), but as a natural step toward success.

A consistent approach will be most successful. Both parents must,coordinate efforts with each other and with other caretakers to avoid confusing the child.

1. Once your child has achieved success in toileting, consistent encouragement is needed

2. Toilet training should be done when the child is not experiencing any other changes/stress

3. Resist external pressures by family or day care provider by reassuring them that you are in control over how and when to toilet train their

4. You need to have block of time to devote to toilet training

5. Schedule potty training after every meal, before a trip or sleep

6. Read a book or use a toy when your child is seated at the toilet bowl

7. Praise your child even for trying though unsuccessful, or when she tells you of her urge

8. Let your child do the honor of flushing

9. Be attentive when your child shows her urge like holding the genitalia, squirming or squatting, bring her to the toilet immediately

10. Remember to reward your child whenever she complies to potty training

Here are the website addresses for further reading

http://www2.aap.org/sections/scan/practicingsafety/module7.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/potty-training/CC00060

( answered by Dr Ng Khuen Foong)