I’m a child expert – the fairy rewards system I swear by to potty training your child & how to nail the perfect routine

POTTY training is an important part of your child’s development process, but it’s no easy feat especially for new parents. 

We spoke to child expert Amanda Jenner to get some top tips on the best way to potty train your child and how to nail the perfect routine.

We spoke to child expert Amanda Jenner to get some top tips for the best way to potty train your child.Amanda Jenner

Make sure they are ready for potty training 

Amanda says the first thing you want to do is recognise the signs that your child is ready for potty training. 

Your child will display signs of readiness when it’s time for them to start these include: 

Communicating and insisting on a nappy change once they’ve when they have done a poor or weeStopping in their tracks and looking down when they have done a poo or weeHiding whilst they are doing a poo or weeShowing an interest in others using a bathroom or toiletLonger periods with dry pull-up/ nappies 

When not to potty train

Amanda says there are some key times when parents should avoid starting potty training.

The child expert says: “Choose a time that is good for both you and your child. You shouldn’t potty train your child whilst you’re moving house or they are unwell.”

“If there is a new baby in the family you may have less time to spend with your child who is potty training. Make sure your little one is well situated in a consistent childcare setting before you start.”

“Most children start potty training at around age three but each child is different. Lockdown babies in particular tend to be late bloomers.”

Schooling 

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Amanda says: “Pick a good potty training book and read it to them for a week before starting potty training. You want to make sure they are familiar with words and visuals relating to using the toilet.”

Amanda has created a pack called My Potty Training Pack which has great visuals and learning materials to help potty train your little one in a fun and interactive way. 

But the visual aids don’t stop there. Amanda says: “Showing toddlers visually where wee and poo goes gives them a much clearer understanding of what to do when you ask them to go on the potty/toilet.”

“Flashcards also add some fun into your training as your little one will think it’s a game but at the same time, you will effectively be teaching them what the potty/toilet is used for.”

Amanda says you should educate your child with books and flash cards before they start potty trainingAmanda Jenner

Get them involved in decision making 

Amanda says: “Let them choose their own potty seat trainer so that they are involved with the process.”

“You should also purchase new big boy/big girl potty training pants that will be able to sustain accidents. If your child likes certain colours, work with them to create a sense of familiarity.”

Amanda says it is important you include everyone else involved in your child’s life in the potty training process. 

“Grandparents, friends and any childminder looking after your child should be aware they are potty training so they can support both you and your child with the process.”

“Make sure your bathroom is set up ready for their training. I recommend creating a distraction box with toys or a book that you can use if your child is hesitant about using the potty. Bubbles are great for this. It’s important that your child’s tummy muscles relax so you want to avoid any anxious feelings.” 

The Perfect Routine 

“On Day 1 of potty training make sure everything is set up the day before and your child has their big boy/ big girl pants on. Encourage your child to use the toilet around every 40 minutes. Your child should be drinking plenty of fluids. I recommend water or diluted sugar free squash.” 

“Hygiene should be a part of your potty training. Your child needs to learn to wash their hands every time after using the toilet. You need to make sure they are familiar with wiping using toilet paper after successfully using the toilet as well.”

When potty training you shouldn’t disrupt your schedule in terms of going out. 

“Don’t stay in for a whole week and try to start potty training on the weekend. Make sure you encourage your child to use the potty before you leave the house. But bring pull-ups on longer planned car journeys if you need to take them.”

“Ask your nursery/childcare provider to participate in the rewards scheme collecting stickers every time they use the toilet as well.”

“Only three – six months later should you be looking to implement potty training at night.” 

Rewards

Amanda has fairy rewards system that makes potty training fun for every child.

“You need to make your little one feel good when they have done a wee or a poo. Give a sticker/star for trying and for doing something on the potty/toilet as they are both important.”

“Create a poo & wee fairy that gives your child a present or a prize once they have collected enough stickers/stars..”

Tips so your child doesn’t fall back into bad habits 

Be present – “Parents should be present for the first couple of weeks whilst child is in potty training. This makes it easier for them and you to keep up to date with their training.” 

Avoid constipation – “Make sure your child isn’t constipated – they’re diet should consist of healthy fruits and vegetables as well as lots of fibre.” 

Beware of Pull-Ups – “I always caution that parents are well aware that pull-ups and nappies have a similar material and feel the same to children. They may not be able to recognise they are wearing a pull-up instead of a nappy like they would normal potty training pants.”. 

Be patient – “Don’t punish or shout at your children for having accidents. Use phrases like: ‘Oh dear’, ‘Nevermind’, ‘You need to go in potty next time.’

Amanda JennerHygiene should be a part of your potty training. Your children need to learn to wash their hands every time after using the toilet[/caption]