Many parents dread toilet training. But you can either let it get you down or you can tackle toilet training head-on (or should I say butt-on).

We’ve recently caught up with the team at Little Parachoc and here are some top tips on how to get through the toilet training stage unscathed:

Tackle Constipation

If your kid struggles to make a poo or their stools are hard and painful, they are going to do anything to avoid going to the loo. Before you even start the toilet training process, it’s crucial to tackle any constipation issues.

There are a number of factors that can make constipation worse – these include a low-fibre diet ; not enough liquids and a lack of inactivity. Some kids develop a fear of going to the toilet so they resist the urge to poo, which in turn causes constipation.

The tip is to have a bottle of stool softener like Little Parachoc on hand. This is a non-stimulant laxative and stool softener that acts as a lubricant. Little Parachoc is gentle on the stomach and may be suitable for long-term use. It is a non-absorbable oil that gently alters stool composition and coats the bowel walls to help your child to poo more easily.

We’re sure your kids will love the chocolate vanilla flavour, and if you don’t want to give it to your kids on it’s own you can generally mix Little Parachoc with cold milk, cold flavoured drinks or yoghurt instead.

Just a quick note to keep in mind: Since Little Parachoc is a lubricant, it could take a few days for it to work. If you are not seeing any results please see your GP/Paediatrician or Pharmacist.

Wait Until Your Child Is Ready

This is another crucial tip to ensure the success of toilet training. If you try and toilet train a child who is not ready, you could end up pulling your hair out in frustration. Keep an eye out for signs that your child is ready to lose their nappy. These signs include: not wanting to wear their nappy, being aware of when they wee and poo and telling you when they do, having a regular poo-ing routine and having a dry nappy when they wake up from their naps.

If your child is showing any of these signs, then this is pretty much the green light to start toilet training.

However, if your child is laid-back or cautious, you may find that they don’t exhibit any of these signs, as they may be reluctant to change the routine. In this case, it’s a good idea to start the toilet training process, while being sensitive to their personality.

Get The Timing Right

Try and start toilet training on a day that you’re planning on staying at home. This will take the pressure off of finding a public toilet while out and about.

Pay attention to the times when your child usually makes a poo in their nappy (it may be after eating or before bath time). Then sit them on the toilet or potty at around this time. If nothing happens after around 3 – 5 minutes, take them off and remain encouraging.

Look for cues that your child needs to go – these include going quiet, fidgeting or passing wind – and then put them on the toilet and encourage them to poo.

Regularly ask your child if they would like to sit on the toilet. Avoid pressuring them and be gentle with your reminders.

Praise

It’s sometimes really hard to maintain patience during toilet training but it’s really important to try and make this process a positive one for you and your child. Even if progress is slow, praise your child for trying. Always encourage them and let your child know they are doing a good job.

If your child has an accident, don’t show any frustration or anger. This will only hamper any toilet training efforts. Rather just clean up without making a fuss and continue to encourage. If your child gets upset because of an accident, do your best to reassure him that it doesn’t matter and there’s no need to worry.

Rewards

Most kids respond very well to the prospect of rewards. You could set up a sticker chart to motivate your child during toilet training. Every time they go to the toilet reward them with a sticker and after achieving ten stickers, they can get a small present. Little Parachoc also have a training diary to help keep track of your child’s toilet behaviour for those who have been diagnosed with constipation or encopresis by their healthcare professional. Keep in mind though that praise goes hand-in-hand with rewards and for many kids, positive affirmation and hugs from parents is the best motivation.

New Underwear

A great incentive for successful toilet training is to take your child to the shops and let them choose their favourite undies. Let them choose underwear with their favourite superhero or TV-show character on them. Then allow your child to wear their new undies – believe me, they will be so excited!

Remember to dress your child in clothes that are easy to take off quickly such as pants with elastic waistbands. Also during the early stages of toilet training, use inexpensive clothing that you can throw away if you just can’t face cleaning them after an accident.

Most importantly, try and remember not to stress. Your child will get there eventually – even if it doesn’t feel like it.

What are your favourite toilet training tips? Tell us in the comments below.

More About Little Parachoc

Little Parachoc is available in 200mL and 400mL bottle at leading pharmacies.

Little Parachoc is indicated for the treatment of constipation in children from the age of 1 year. Little Parachoc is given only once a day and at least 2 hours before your child lies down.

Little Parachoc is part of the Little family, which also includes Little Coughs, Little Eyes, Little Allergies and Little Iron, that are suitable for the whole family.

Do not use Little Parachoc in children under 12 months of age.

CONSULT YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING LITTLE PARACHOC IN CHILDREN UNDER TWO YEARS OF AGE. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.