Toilet Training Disasters
Whether or not you’ve already attempted toilet training or if you are just joining the potty party, your experience is likely to have been full of disasters (literally and figuratively!). Parents can start toilet training at any age. But when potty training a child with autism or special needs, you will need to push your child a bit more to take control of the toilet training situation. Never fear! Here is a list of the top toilet training disasters and how to solve them.
Disaster #1: Excess Laundry
You bought your child his first pair of batman boxer briefs, and he’s so excited. Let’s be honest—you’re just as stoked to see your little man in his first pair too. But the six-pack of Marvel comics boxer briefs only lasts a short time. He’s frequently wetting through his undies and pants, and you can’t seem to catch him in time to get him to the toilet.
Solution #1: Although your child’s new undies are adorable, the best way to get him to notice his wet pants is by not wearing any. Kids with autism often struggle with toilet training because they don’t understand their own body. By losing the undies and going au naturel, you are giving your child an opportunity to see what’s really going on down there. And it lets you see when your child is going so that you can help rush him to the bathroom. Get some old rugs and a tarp; it’s gonna get messy!
Disaster #2: How many days can he hold it?
Disaster #2 of toilet training is the #2. He’s holding in his #2 and being stubborn about it. This one is extremely common when toilet training . Take a look at his perspective for a minute. Most of our kids have sensory issues. Going #2 in a toilet is a completely different feeling than going #2 in a diaper. To him, it feels…weird. You have to empathize with his fear, but “push on” because the #2 must go in the toilet.
Solution #2: The simplest solution is to change his diet a bit. Increase his fruit and veggie intake. Drink plenty of water. Or talk to your doctor about giving your child a fiber supplement. In addition to increasing his fiber, track what time your child goes #2 each day. You’d be surprised that most kids already have a #2 schedule pattern and you can use it to your advantage by having him sit on the toilet during those times.
Disaster #3: Grandma keeps cheating.
Toilet training is not easy. When grandma puts your child in a diaper at her house, your child is the one who suffers. Kids are confused with inconsistency. Inconsistency with toilet training leads to accidents. You want to make your toilet training goal clear for both your child and others around him.
Solution #3: Parents, grandparents, babysitters, and your daycare all need to be consistent with your toilet training goal. Discuss your toilet training goal with everyone in your child’s life. And hide the daytime diapers in case someone forgets!
Best of luck in the bathroom!
This blog was written by Mary Kall. If you need more help, you can contact me at Above All Therapy.