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By : Michelle Warren, Physiotherapist Pediatrics
Potty training is a significant milestone in a child’s development, but it can sometimes be a challenging and frustrating process. As my parents, we understand that every child is unique and may require different approaches to achieve success in potty training. If your child is struggling with potty training past the age of 3 or 4, it’s essential to approach the situation with patience, understanding, and the right strategies. In this blog, we will explore some effective strategies, taking a pediatric physiotherapy and occupational therapy perspective, to help your child overcome potty training difficulties. Read on for our top tips.
One of the crucial aspects of successful potty training is creating a positive and supportive environment for your child. Ensure that your child feels comfortable and relaxed during the process. Use positive reinforcement techniques like praise and rewards (eg: a small treat or stickers) to motivate your child’s progress. Celebrate even the smallest achievements (like getting on the toilet independently) to boost their confidence and encourage continued efforts. Avoid punishing your child if they have accidents, as this will lead to shame, which can actually make the process far more challenging.
Establishing a consistent potty training routine is essential for your child’s success. Set regular times for bathroom visits, such as after meals and before bedtime. Consistency helps your child develop a sense of predictability and control over their bodily functions. Consider using visual schedules or timers to help your child understand and follow the routine effectively. Plus, our body is most likely to need to poop about 10-30 minutes after eating a meal.
Visual cues and social stories can be powerful tools in potty training. Create visual aids like picture charts or posters that illustrate the steps involved in using the toilet. These visual cues can enhance your child’s understanding of the process and provide a visual reminder of what is expected. It can help them learn how to toilet independently too. Social stories, which use simple language and illustrations, can also help your child grasp the concept of potty training and reduce anxiety surrounding it. Social stories explain social situations to children and help them learn ways of behaving in these situations.
From a pediatric physiotherapy perspective, it’s also important to consider your child’s motor skills development during potty training. Help your child build core strength and balance through activities like crawling, climbing, and jumping. These activities can enhance their ability to sit comfortably and safely on the toilet and maintain balance during the process. Encourage your child to practice squatting, as it promotes proper pelvic floor muscle engagement to help with continence, and builds leg strength so they can actually get themselves onto the toilet.
Occupational therapy can provide valuable sensory strategies to support potty training. Some children may struggle with sensory sensitivities or aversions related to the bathroom environment (like loud flushing noises) or the feeling of sitting on the toilet. Consider using sensory-friendly strategies, such as providing a comfortable and supportive toilet seat, using soft toilet paper, or introducing sensory activities before and after bathroom visits to help your child feel more at ease. You could even have some relaxing scents in the bathroom.
Potty training can be emotionally and behaviorally challenging for some children. It’s essential to address any underlying emotional factors that may contribute to the difficulties. Talk to your child about their feelings and concerns regarding potty training. Encourage open communication and provide reassurance and support. If necessary, consult with a pediatric psychologist or therapist to address any emotional or behavioral issues that may be hindering progress. Conclusion: Potty training struggles beyond the age of 3 or 4 can be frustrating for both parents and children. However, with patience, understanding, and the right strategies, you can help your child overcome these challenges. By creating a positive environment, establishing a routine, using visual cues and social stories, focusing on motor skill development, implementing sensory strategies, and addressing emotional and behavioral factors, you can support your child’s journey towards successful potty training. Remember, every child is unique, and progress may take time. Stay positive, be consistent, and celebrate even the smallest victories along the way.
In order to fully relax the pelvic floor muscles, which allow feces to pass through the anus and into the toilet, we need to have good toilet posture. This means, first of all, not being scared of falling into the toilet…if the “hole” is too big, your child may struggle to keep themselves ON the loo instead of IN it. Make sure the seat size allows them to stay ON. Also, knees should be elevated about hip height, and the torso should be leaning forward slightly. Having a stool to elevate your child’s feet will help to support this better position, allowing for less straining and more quick defecation.
If your child still has trouble relaxing, try having them read a book, blow some bubbles gently, or listen to relaxing music.
If your child is particularly sensitive to the bathroom environment, consider gradually exposing them to the space. Start by having them spend short periods of time in the bathroom, gradually increasing the duration as they become more comfortable. This can help desensitize them to any sensory triggers associated with the bathroom.
Empower your child by giving them choices during the potty training process. Let them choose their preferred toilet paper, hand soap, or even the color of their potty seat. Having a sense of control can help alleviate anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable for your child. Remember, every child is unique, and it’s important to observe and understand your child’s specific sensory needs. By implementing these sensory-friendly strategies, you can create a more comfortable and supportive environment for your child during potty training, helping them overcome any sensory challenges they may face
If these strategies still aren’t effective, consider having your child assessed by a physiotherapist specialized in pediatrics for other possible underlying contributing factors, like retained primitive reflexes, poor coordination of core muscles, anxiety, or other. Not sure what steps to take next? Book a free discovery call with one of our Pediatric clinicians here at Play On Pediatric Therapy in Barrhaven, Ottawa, Ontario who can help guide you on the best path. Email or Call our team at 613-699-0787
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