Potty training older child

Potty training older child:

For various reasons you may find yourself potty training an older child. If this is the case, the methods are similar to the advice in potty training techniques with some important differences.

Depending on the age of the child, a potty may no longer be appropriate. If your child is still quite young, between 3 and 4, a potty training chair may be a good solution. This is a larger potty with a back. It can be kept in the bathroom or a private room near where your child plays to give your child some privacy if there are other people around.

If your child is older than this, direct toilet training would be preferable. You can buy a child's toilet seat to put on it so that your child can feel more secure.

Again, encourage your child to use the toilet and remind them often. Always get them to go to the toilet before you go out.

Reward them with a potty training chart or with treats when they are successful.

Never punish your child if they have accidents, just remind them to go to the toilet when they feel they need a wee or a poo.

If you are potty training older child, make sure you have lots of clean clothes easily to hand and encourage your child to help you by cleaning themselves and dressing themselves in the clean clothes.

Some children don't like going to the toilet because they are alone. They can be bored, or lonely, or even scared.

If this is the case, stay with them and chat to them. Leave some books or comics in the bathroom and make sure the light is left on. It can also be helpful to have a cuddly toy or two who live in the bathroom.

An older child is capable of learning quite quickly if treated with kindness and patience. If your child is still having difficulties it would be a good idea to consult a doctor to rule out any medical problems.