Yes, you’re excited you can finally say confidently that your toddler is potty trained. You are proud to say your toddler has a firm grasp on the concept of potty training. They wake up dry, take it upon themselves to go when necessary or at the very least, tell you to take them there. Now, it’s time (if you haven’t already) to take it one step farther: teaching them to use the loo.
What’s the difference?
Depending on whether or not you’ve used a stand-alone potty chair or kid-friendly attachment to the ‘big potty’, there will come a day when you feel it is time to dispense the potty training equipment to get everyone to use the loo. So what’s the big deal? Personally, I don’t think there is one. And, if you think there is one, then I’ll probably change your mind by the end of this article.
When to make the switch
Geez, it almost sounds like we’re planning a heist or espionage! Switching from a stand-alone potty or attachment to the loo isn’t something that honestly needs a great deal of planning or preparation. It’s one of those things that sort of just happens. But for the sake of appeasing those mums who are ‘strictly by the book’, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind before and during the transition.
Tips
While it shouldn’t be a big deal to switch from the potty to the loo, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Don’t make the switch from potty to loo until your toddler is stable or coordinated enough to hold themselves up. Falling in (or even almost falling in) is scary and can undo the progress made. Not to mention, it can also be dangerous.
- If your toddler is at this stage of potty training, they are likely to take themselves in. This means you need to make sure their clothing is loo-friendly. Overall straps are going to get wet and long dresses or skirts are going to have their hems dragged through the water. You also need to make sure snaps, buttons and zippers are doable with little or no effort.
- You also need to make sure your child is well-versed in the how and why of wiping, as well as flushing and hand washing. Their little hands are naturally going to hold on to the seat of the loo. It’s just one of those things you have to deal with when switching from the potty to the loo.
- You also need to make sure your child understands what is enough and what is too much when it comes to using the toilet roll. Sometimes it can be fun for children to count to the highest number they know, and roll out the toilet paper simultaneously, so that they can clean their bottoms with an ‘adequate’ amount. Oh, the parenting woes – when the bathroom gets clogged!
Don’t forget to breathe
Last but not least, don’t make something out of nothing. The hard part is done — your toddler is potty trained. Relax! Everything will be just fine in the end! Have you ever seen an adult, who needed their parents to take them to the bathroom? We didn’t think so either!
Share some of your funny stories on teaching your kids how to use the loo!
Watch this fun video for more on using the loo: