As daunting as it may be as parents toilet training is something we all need to face.

Toilet training can be an exciting time for some kids yet challenging for others.

Here are some of the tips our members have posted in our answers section:

1. It’s all about the timing

The big question is WHEN to start toilet training? Sometimes we are ready though our child isn’t.

Maybe you’ve already given it a try or maybe it’s all a bit daunting – sometimes toilet training isn’t for the faint hearted. From the advice posted by real mums, each child is different and will conquer toilet training in their own time – it’s best not to force it or to compare your child to others.

“There is no set time, it will happen and when it does; it could take a couple of days or it could take months of trying”

Just remember “they won’t be in nappies when they are 10…”

“Everyone gets it at some point and no one asks you at 20 years old at what age you were toilet trained…. the age doesn’t matter, as long as you get it in the end!”

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• Helpful hints for night time toilet training

2. Start in summer

“Start in summer when the kids can play outside without many clothes on”. Less clothing (or being naked) makes it easier for kids to get their pants down in a hurry. The bonus here is less to wash after little accidents (they’re bound to happen)!

3. Aim for the toy!

Teaching your little man to stand up at the toilet can be quite the challenge, turn it into a game and put a ping pong ball or a small rubber duckie into the toilet and ask him to aim for them.

4. Bribery, bribery, bribery!

Each child is different and will be motivated by different things and finding an appropriate prize could help quicken the process.

“Some respond to positive reinforcement, others respond to food, toy or activity treats”. The key is to find what works for your child, you’re the person that knows them best!

“We have just started a toilet chart. He gets a gold star to put on the chart if he poo’s on the toilet and a sticker of his choice for himself. Once he gets to 20 stars he gets a $20 toy…. ”

5. Consistent encouragement

Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to get them excited about the task at hand.

Kids have an innate sense to pick up on when we’re anxious or upset, we all want the toilet training process to be as quick and easy as possible and yes it can be frustrating, but try to keep up the positivity, even if it’s the 5th accident that day think of it as a learning curve – we all make mistakes before we get it right and sometimes there is only one way to learn!

6. Toilet or potty?

Some kids are scared of the toilet, it could be that it’s too large and intimidating making them feel like they are going to fall in.

Try a potty chair and put it in the bathroom or even a toilet seat that goes over the ‘adult’ seat – you could even add some little stairs to climb up.

7. Feeling overwhelmed?

Toilet training can be overwhelming for all involved. If you feel you need some extra tips there are some great books that can help the process. One of our members highly recommends “the 3daypottytraining ebook”

8. Tips for day time sleep toilet training

While your little one may be dry during awake time, keeping dry through a daytime or night time sleep can be a different story altogether.

Reducing fluid intake prior to sleep time, going to the toilet or potty right before sleep time or putting your child in pull ups are options however it’s really all a matter of time.

“Wetting whilst asleep is actually controlled by hormones that are released by the pituitary gland in the brain… This hormone is reduced with maturity…”. “Wait until they show signs of being ready and interested for nights, wait until they are having dry nappies to start toilet training in the night”

9. Kids are just like everyone else

Most kids love to be like Mum or Dad. If your little one seems scared maybe take them into the bathroom with you and “explain big boys/girls and big people go to the toilet.” Seeing friends or cousins a similar age use the toilet may also be encouraging for them.

“Do you have friends with children about the same age who are toilet trained? My daughter would hold and hold until it was too late. It wasn’t until we were at my sister-in-laws house and my 3 year old niece showed my daughter how to use it and actually took her to the toilet”

10. Just go for it.

Don’t let procrastination take over. As daunting as toilet training can be, if your child is showing signs sometimes it’s best to set a few days aside and just go for it.

Just remember “Don’t try and go anywhere that’s far from a toilet when you start training – you don’t want to get stuck in a queue at Coles and your child says ‘I need the toilet, NOW’”

Did any of these work for you? Please SHARE below any other tips you may have with us in the comments below.

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