Child-Orientated Potty Training Method for Nannies and Au Pairs

Potty Training Method One (1)

Yesterday we discussed that nannies and au pairs must follow the potty training method the parents prefer for teaching their child to control their bladder and bowel. There are several popular methods. Over the next week we will discuss the seven most popular potty training methods.

The first method we will describe is the child-orientated potty training method. In this method the child determines when they are ready to be potty trained. By allowing the child to show when she is ready may enable the child to master the acts for herself.

Training must proceed slowly to allow for periods of negativity that are common in this age group. If there is a breakdown at any time during potty training, caregivers are advised to stop and to reassure the child that she is not bad, but will learn when ready.

How to Know a Child is Ready to Start the Child-Orientated Potty Training Method:

1. Child must be able to sit and walk.


2. Child must have some understanding of verbal commands.


3. Child displays psychological readiness such as feeling secure with their caregivers and has a desire to please them.


4. Parents and caregivers must be ready themselves to deal with outside pressures and anxieties about toilet training, aiming for a relaxed, pressure-free approach.
   

How to Use the Child-Orientated Potty Training Method:

1. Around 18-months of age, introduce a potty chair as the child's "own chair." Allow the child to get familiar with it and verbally associate it with the adults' toilet.


2. Have the child sit on the chair fully clothed when the parent uses the toilet daily. Parents may read or offer treats to the child while he sits but allow the child to leave at will. (Parents may not want their caregivers to go potty in front of their child. Respect their choice of modesty and leave the daily sitting on the toilet alongside the child to immediate family members like the parents or siblings).


3. After one to two weeks of cooperation, remove the child's diaper and have her sit on the potty. Make no demands nor attempts to do more than sit on the toilet.


4. When the child is comfortable with the potty and eliminates in his diaper, take the child to the potty, empty the diaper into the toilet, and explain that this is where bowel movements go.


5. If the child appears to understand, take the child to the potty several times a day.


6. As interest grows, remove diapers and pants for short periods, place potty nearby and encourage the child to use it at will and independently. Periodic reminders may be given.


7. If child is progressing then put her into training pants and instruct how to raise and lower the training pants.


8. After bowel control is obtained, boys can learn to urinate while standing by imitating other males. Nap and night training is left until later if it does not occur simultaneously with daytime control.

Have you tried this method of potty training? Have you found it successful?