“Get out and no one gets hurt” approach

As we’ve mentioned previously, there are many methods that people use to train their children to use the toilet instead of nappies. This month we’re going to look at the ‘Get, get out and no one gets hurt’ approach! Following this method will generally bring success within two weeks for day time dryness and 4 weeks for night time dryness.

Last month we talked about getting ready to begin the process. Once you are ready and the big day has arrived, we recommend that you simply take off their nappy and put them in their new underwear. We would then set aside the first couple of hours and have them sit on the potty or toilet. It might be worth noting that it doesn’t matter what you choose to use. The toilet can mean less clean up but the potty is more portable. You may even choose to switch between the two, it really doesn’t matter.

Try and make this time on the potty exciting. If you have other children, get them involved. We primed ours ahead of time to go over the top with praise when success came. Ring the grandparents and let them know what’s happening so they can encourage the process too.

Now you sit your little one on the potty and give them lots to drink. This is where all that salty food and juice we talked about last month comes into play. Whilst we don’t normally advocate giving your children these things, these are special circumstances! Basically we want our children to learn the sensation of having a full bladder — that’s the trigger they need to associate with going to the toilet. In order to have a full bladder, they need to drink lots and the salty food helps them to do that. Sit with them, play with toys, read books, watch a DVD, all the while encouraging them to eat and drink. Inevitably success will come and that’s when you encourage them. Lots of praise, even if initially it wasn’t a conscious decision for them to go in the toilet, will encourage them that they can do this and it is worth it.