I have a feeling you are going to looooooove Day 2 as almost everyone who completes my program comments on how useful this step is.

Today is all about play, making toilet training a happy moment and fun. You probably think I am slightly mad saying it but stay with me!

Tomorrow we are going to work on how to actually start getting out of those nappies during the day but for now, let’s get into it and talk a bit about your toilet training worries.

What are the toilet training worries most plaguing you?

Maybe it’s poo and wee accidents on the floor. I hated nappy free time because of those and toilet training is essentially a lot of nappy free time.

Or is it toilet refusal? Holding onto poos and refusing to go?

Are you wondering where to start? Or are you concerned that potty dependence will lead to more training to transition to the toilet down the line?

Are you waiting for your child to tell you they are ready to start wearing undies?

As mums we talk a lot about our experiences and hearing the troubling stories of others as they train can really drum up those fears in the back of our minds.

It’s ok and totally normal to do this. But having them hanging around too much can impact the training process. If your toddler becomes worried as he senses you are worried then he is more likely to hold on when he needs to go or have tantrums about the potty.

A lot of these fears can actually be tackled through play.

Research has shown that 1-3 year olds actually learn faster through play, so if you make poos and wees and all that jazz part of a getting them in the loo a fun game then you’ll be winning.

Let me tell you a little secret that I’ve learnt over the past 9 years of teaching people about toilet training…

It is actually less about using the toilet and more about how we, as parents and teachers, react to their response to the process. It is this that seems to define whether or not the process will be long and drawn out or straightforward.

Now, let’s do some MYTH BUSTING. This is one of my favourite parts of DAY 2.

MYTH 1: That your child needs to tell you verbally that they are about to do a wee to start toilet training.

It is actually pretty hard for a 1-3 year old to read signs they have never had to read before; especially when they don’t really understand why they are actually reading them. Does that make sense?

It is only once you start the toilet training process that they understand that there is a connection to how you feel and when you go and it’s the practice that makes it subconscious.

MYTH 2: That it is possible to toilet train without accidents

Some people out there will claim their child has never done a wee on the floor or had an accident in their underwear. This is really uncommon and that person is either telling wee little furfies or they are just a one in a million example. Don’t hold out for this to be you.

MYTH 3: That toilet training on the potty creates a barrier to using the loo

Once they have got the knack of it they will want to emulate big kids and grown ups by going on the loo just like them so don’t worry about this at all. Also, using a potty has great benefits. I was a bit grossed out by them at first but I’m actually a big potty advocate these days. They can learn to use the potty then transfer these skills to using the toilet later on.

Lastly, let me leave you with this little nugget of wisdom.

Remember when your cheeky little cherub started walking? It didn’t happen overnight. First there were steps holding onto the furniture; then maybe one or two steps solo (and this went on for awhile probably); then eventually 3 steps, 4 steps, many steps and run.

Toilet training is just the same and over the next few days of this program we are going to walk you through those steps to set them up for being successful when they go nappy free.

A wee note on accidents

Accidents will happen now and again, even when you think you are done and dusted and have this no nappy thing in the bag. Seemingly random life events can bring them back into your toddler’s world.
Here is what we recommend when this does happen:

• Breathe…that one’s for you, Mumma
• Remove children and pets from the area
• Say something simple like “Wee wees are for the toilet”. Keep it light.
• Don’t admonish or punish. Save your energy for encouragement when they get it right.
• Remove the solid matter – flush if possible and take your child with you to watch and remind them that this is where poos go.
• If on carpet, pour on carpet cleaner and dab the stain. DO NOT rub, scrub or wipe.

This is our favourite recipe for cleaning up tiny accidents. I got this gem from my own mumma.

Mix together

• 1tsp white vinegar
• 1cup warm water
• 2 tsp dishwashing detergent

Pour on stain. Dab with a towel to absorb excess moisture. Leave to dry.

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Your takeaway task for today

Make a batch of our favourite recipe for cleaning up tiny accidents. Pour it into a glass jar and store in your toilet training toolkit.

See you tomorrow for Day 3 of our adventure!

The post Ready, Set, Toilet Train – Day 2 appeared first on Mums Toolbox.