Grey Lynn Plunket      
c/- Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn. Phone 378-4565

Caring for Young Families - Whanau Awhina

Toilet training

No child can be trained until the appropriate nerve pathways have sufficiently matured. Once this happens, toilet training is controlled by the child's will to comply or his determination to defy, which in turn, is dependent on the child's temperament, as well as the skill and cunning of the trainer. A child also needs to know the difference between the feeling of dry and wet before he can be trained.

2 years of age is the average for commencing toilet training. By this age your child can get to the potty/toilet and can be taught to pull his pants down and up, and also to wash his hands. Some children may gain this skill earlier, however even those of 2 years may still not be ready to appreciate what is required of them. It is easier in the summer when your child is running around in the garden than in winter indoors on the best carpet.

Toilet training needs to be carried out in the right atmosphere: a mixture of calmness, enthusiasm, and praise. It can be introduced simply by demonstration. Children copy what you do. Putting your child on the potty/toilet at regular periods during the day and providing praise for weeing into the potty/toilet is usually all that is required.

Lots of praise for trying, even more if he does something, but very little attention for an accident: "what a shame." The length of time needed for success may vary considerably, and you must be willing to accept accidents in the early days, to wash extra pairs of trousers and dresses and to mop up the occassional puddle. No growling or smacking for an accident. This is far too much attention.

Training pants are useful. If you are going out, put nappies or pull-ups on: who wants a puddle in the supermarket! Don't make life difficult for yourself. Your child will delight in developing this skill, however, motivation does vary, so GOOD LUCK and KEEP CALM.

Call the free Plunket Line, 24 hours, seven days, on 0800-933-922.

For details of our Clinic hours, click here. Child restraints for cars: click here for a report. And taking care of yourself is important too: click here for suggestions.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed on this website do not necessarily represent those of The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society.