More resources are linked here:

🔗 NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/b...

🔗 Raising children: raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers...

🔗 ERIC the children's bowel and bladder charity eric.org.uk/potty-traini...

Ultimately, every child is different, and you know your child best. Other factors can make toilet training more challenging, such as SEN and additional needs. My final piece of advice would be to do plenty of research so you have the tools and knowledge to be successful.

7) know the signs

On the subject of readiness; know the signs! If your child is waking up dry in the mornings, or showing a keen interest when parents or siblings are using the toilet, these could be signs that they are ready.

6) stay positive

The first days of potty training often can feel like they're going nowhere. You may have accident after accident, but you know your child best. If you noticed the readiness signs, and you feel your child is ready, then stick to it. Don't be tempted to stop when it's difficult.

5) celebrate their success

Every time your child successfully uses the toilet or the potty, celebrate it! This is different for every child. Some children respond well to stickers, others to cheers of jubilation. Whatever works for your child to make them feel good!

4) repetition, repetition

As with any skill, toilet training requires constant repetition for a child to master it. Keep a potty nearby, get a decent toilet seat, and sit your child often and regularly. Even if they don't go every time. Exposure to the potty is as beneficial as using it.

3) be understanding

Toilet training is a difficult step for a child. They will have accidents, they will make a mess. DO NOT shame or upset your child for these messes; it can make the entire process even longer.

2) involve your child

Take your child shopping, and let them choose the underwear they would like. Involving children in the conversation - even as young as two years old - allows them to feel seen and heard. Choosing their own underwear can also be very exciting!

1) consistency is key!

Once you have made the decision to toilet train your child, you must remain consistent. Too often have I seen parents flip flop between nappies and pants, and all it does it confuse the child - one moment they can wet where they stand, the next they can't, then they can again

This is absolutely a key consideration, especially in culturally diverse areas.

I was fortunate to have a tutor at college who had a wealth of personal experience in nannying, Montessori nurseries and in schools, she could contextualise the course content beautifully and it made all the difference.

Whilst it is disappointing for me - I had visions of crafting, drawing and creating with my children in idyllic daydreams - I accept that his interests and fascinations lie elsewhere. It is my role as his parent to foster and nurture these interests.

It would not serve him if I forced him to sit and draw with me. He would find no enjoyment in it, and would soon become frustrated and bored.

I have supported his fine motor development in other areas, and he is quickly developing neater handwriting than me!

My own son does not share my love and interest in arts and crafts. He will, on occasion, choose to engage in some creative endeavours with me, but the majority of the time he is more content in building and messy play.

And that's okay.

It can be painful or disappointing when your child does not share your interests, but our role as parents is to nurture and encourage our children's individual personalities. They are not supposed to be miniature replicas of you.

Never underestimate the value of ✨the box✨

Simple objects encourage independent discovery of cause and effect. I've always been a big advocate of open-ended play and toys.

The Baby clearly understands this awesome concept! 🥰

This isn't to say that there weren't also positive methods used during my upbringing. My parents were always fair, nobody was treated above anyone else, and nobody was ever punished before knowing the full facts of the situation. These values have transcended into my own parenting.

Tell this to my husband! 🤣

Any outing with him MUST begin with an explanation of how he is expected to behave. He needs to have rules and boundaries explained constantly, even if he has heard them time and again.

Understanding your individual child and their needs is crucial in a #gentleparenting approach.