What should you keep in mind while raising a 3 year old?

By Dr. Sandhya Pentareddy

These are some important things you should keep in mind while raising a 3-year-old child:

  1. Is the environment safe for your child to play and learn? This includes the people she interacts and places she visits.
  2. Are you encouraging physical activity and playtime to develop gross and fine motor skills?
  3. Are you providing enough exposure and opportunity to your child to learn in the form of a stimulating environment, imaginative play and creative activities? Are you reading books to your child to encourage a love of reading and learning? Are you ensuring the content including story books are appropriate to her age? Provide positive reinforcement and praise the child for their efforts and achievements.
  4. Does your child have enough opportunity to socialize with other children and adults, for positive social interactions?
  5. Have you checked her development against the expected ‘Development and Milestones’ for her age? Remember that would just be a guideline and every child is different. But the milestones help in your understanding of your child’s growth and you may a consult a specialist if you have any concerns.
  6. Is your child trained in Hygiene and Self-care: such as washing hands, brushing teeth, and starting to dress independently?
  7. Is her diet a healthy and balanced one with plenty of fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains? Read more: Nutrition and Meals
  8. Are you promoting good sleeping habits? Establish a consistent routine for sleeping and waking up?
  9. Are you avoiding screen time or at least limiting it and ensuring the content is age-appropriate?
  10. Have you selected a Pre-School for her?
  11. Is she potty trained?
  12. Have you vaccinated her according to the guidelines of her primary health care provider?

The above checklist is a general guideline. Please keep in mind that every child is unique. You may add to the above, depending upon your child’s needs and interests.

By vitalmadevadmin in Child Safety, Development and Milestones, Health and Special Needs, Nutrition and Meals 0 Comment

What should you keep in mind while raising a 4 year old?

what-to-keep-in-mind-while-raising-a-4-year-old

Here are some important points to keep in mind while raising a 4 year old

  1. Provide a safe and nurturing environment: Ensure that your child feels safe and loved in their home and school environment. Talk to his teacher frequently and ensure that he is learning happily at school. Talk to the kid himself regularly to see how he is spending his time and what issues he may be going through.
  2. Encourage independence: Encourage your child to do things on his own, such as getting dressed, brushing his teeth, and feeding himself.
  3. Encourage social interaction: Arrange playdates and encourage your child to interact with other children, which helps with socialization and building communication skills.
  4. Set clear boundaries: Establish clear and consistent rules and boundaries, such as household chores and appropriate behavior, and enforce them.
  5. Provide a balanced diet: Ensure that your child has a balanced and nutritious diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  6. Encourage physical activity: Encourage your child to engage in physical activity, such as playing outside or participating in sports, to promote healthy growth and development.
  7. Read together: Read together with your child regularly, which helps to develop language and cognitive skills, as well as a love of reading. Keep the content appropriate to the age.
  8. Provide opportunities for creativity: Provide opportunities for your child to engage in creative activities, such as drawing, painting, and imaginative play.
  9. Monitor screen time: Limit screen time, including television and computer use, and ensure that any content is age-appropriate.
  10. Have you vaccinated him according to the guidelines of her primary health care provider?
  11. Developmental Milestones: Below are some of the developmental milestones that you can typically expect from a four-year-old child:

Developmental Milestones

Physical Development:

  • Can walk, run, jump, and hop on one foot
  • Can catch a ball with both hands
  • Can copy simple shapes and letters
  • Can use scissors to cut along a straight line
  • Can dress and undress themselves with little or no help

Cognitive Development:

  • Can count up to ten or higher
  • Can identify and name colors and shapes
  • Can follow simple instructions
  • Can understand concepts of time, such as yesterday, today, and tomorrow
  • Can sort objects based on their size, shape, or color

Social and Emotional Development:

  • Shows more independence and self-confidence
  • Engages in cooperative play with other children
  • Shows empathy or begins to show empathy towards others
  • Expresses emotions more clearly and appropriately
  • Follows basic rules and routines at home and school

Language Development:

  • Uses proper grammar and sentences to express themselves
  • Can tell simple stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end
  • Can understand and follow more complex instructions
  • Can name common objects and people accurately
  • Can answer questions and engage in basic conversations

It’s important to note that every child is unique and may reach milestones at their own pace. However, if you have any concerns about your child’s development, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare provider.

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

Teaching Kids About Safety: Tips for Protecting Your 3-6 Year Olds

Teaching-Kids-About-Safety-Tips-for-Protecting-Your-3-6-Year-Old

By Siyona Varghese 

As a parent or caregiver, one of your primary responsibilities is to ensure the safety of your child. This includes teaching her about safety measures and precautions that she can take to protect herself in different situations. Children aged 3-6 years old are at an age where they are starting to explore and become more independent, making it important to start educating them about safety.

Here are some tips on teaching kids about safety and how you can protect your 3-6-year-olds:

Teach them about stranger danger

Stranger danger is a concept that every child needs to learn at a young age. Explain to your child that she should never talk to strangers or go anywhere with someone she does not know. Let her know that if she is ever approached by a stranger, she should immediately tell an adult she trust. Encourage her to use the phrase “no, go, yell, tell” if they feel unsafe around a stranger.

Establish clear rules and boundaries

Children need rules and boundaries to help them understand what they can and cannot do. Establishing clear rules and boundaries can help prevent accidents and ensure your child’s safety. Make sure your child understands that she is not allowed to leave the house without your permission, play with dangerous objects or run in areas where there are vehicles or traffic.

Teach them about basic first aid

Teaching your child about basic first aid can help her understand how to respond in an emergency. Teach her how to call for help, how to apply a bandage and how to wash and clean a wound. These basic skills can be helpful in situations where an adult is not present.

Use role-playing and games to teach safety

Using role-playing and games can make learning about safety more fun and engaging for young children. Play games that involve identifying safe and unsafe situations or use role-playing to teach your child how to respond in different situations, such as what to do if she gets lost or how to safely cross the street.

Teach them about water safety

Water safety is essential for children who enjoy swimming or playing in the water. Teach your child how to swim and never leave her unattended around water, whether it is a pool, lake or bathtub. Make sure she understands the dangers of diving and the importance of wearing a life jacket when boating.

Encourage them to speak up

Encouraging your child to speak up if she feel unsafe or uncomfortable can help prevent accidents and protect her safety. Teach her that she can say “no” if they do not want to do something or if she feels uncomfortable. Let her know that she should always tell an adult if she is being bullied or if someone is hurting her.

Practice fire safety

Teaching your child about fire safety is crucial for her protection. Make sure your child understands the dangers of fire and how to prevent it, such as not playing with matches or lighters. Teach her how to stop, drop and roll if her clothes catch on fire and make sure she knows how to escape a burning building.

In conclusion, teaching kids about safety is crucial to protecting your 3-6 year olds. By establishing clear rules and boundaries, teaching them about stranger danger, basic first aid, water safety and fire safety and encouraging them to speak up, you can help your child stay safe in different situations. Use role-playing and games to make learning about safety more fun and engaging for your child. With these tips, you can help your child develop a strong foundation of safety knowledge that they can carry with them throughout their life.

References

By vitalmadevadmin in Child Safety 0 Comment

Sleeping Tips for Toddlers: How to Establish Healthy Sleep Habits

sleeping-habits-for-three-year-olds

By Siyona Varghese

As parents, we all know how important sleep is for our little ones. However, establishing healthy sleep habits for our toddlers can be a daunting task. Between night waking, bed wetting and restless sleep, it can feel like an uphill battle. But with a few simple tips and tricks, you can help your child establish healthy sleep habits that will benefit her for a lifetime.

Avoid Exhaustion: When a child becomes overly tired, their ability to fall asleep and stay asleep may be compromised, leading to restless nights and daytime exhaustion. Daytime naps can help break this cycle by providing an opportunity for the child to rest and recharge during the day, preventing them from becoming overly fatigued. A well-timed and appropriately-lengthened nap can help a child to consolidate their daytime and nighttime sleep, leading to improved overall sleep quality. However, it’s important to strike a balance and avoid naps that are too long or too close to bedtime, as this may disrupt the child’s ability to fall asleep at night.

Set a Consistent Bedtime Routine: One of the most important things you can do to establish healthy sleep habits is to create a consistent bedtime routine. This should include a wind-down period before bed, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath, followed by putting your child to bed at the same time every night. This routine will help your child’s body recognize that it’s time for sleep and promote a more restful night’s sleep. Try to put her to bed no later than 8 pm. Some kids are ready to sleep even by 7 pm.

Create a Calm Sleep Environment: Another important factor in establishing healthy sleep habits is creating a calm sleep environment. This means keeping your child’s bedroom dark, cool and quiet. Make sure your child’s bed is comfortable and supportive and that her pajamas are appropriate for the temperature of the room. You can try soothing music or a few songs for a short duration like 30 minutes to drown out any external noises.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed: One of the biggest obstacles to healthy sleep habits for children (and adults!) is excessive screen time before bed. The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. To promote healthy sleep habits, avoid screen time before bedtime. Instead, encourage quiet activities like reading, drawing or playing a game with your child.

Encourage Physical Activity During the Day: Another way to promote healthy sleep habits for your toddler is to encourage physical activity during the day. Regular exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality and duration in both children and adults. You may want to take your child to the park or playground, sign her up for a dance or sports class or simply encourage active playtime at home.

Encourage peeing before going to sleep: Toddlers are still developing their bladder control skills and emptying their bladders before sleep can help prevent nighttime accidents and disruptions to their sleep. It’s important to create a positive and relaxed environment for toilet time before bed, using gentle reminders and encouragement to encourage the toddler to use the toilet. Establishing a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks before bedtime, such as 30 minutes to an hour before sleep, can also help ensure that the toddler has ample opportunity to empty their bladder.

Address Sleep Disruptions Promptly: Finally, if your child is experiencing sleep disruptions like night waking or bed wetting, it’s important to address these issues promptly. While some sleep disruptions are normal at this age, too many can also be a sign of an underlying issue like sleep apnea or a urinary tract infection. Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you’re concerned about your child’s sleep disruptions and work together to find a solution that works for your family

Bottom-line:

Establishing healthy sleep habits for your 3-year-old may seem like a daunting task, but it’s an important one. By setting a consistent bedtime routine, creating a calm sleep environment, limiting screen time before bed, encouraging physical activity during the day and addressing sleep disruptions promptly, you can help your child establish healthy sleep habits that will benefit her for a lifetime. Remember, healthy sleep habits aren’t just important for your child’s physical health, but for her emotional well-being and cognitive development as well.

References:

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

Protecting Your Child: Ensuring a Safe Environment for Play and Learning

building resistance in kids

By Siyona Varghese

As a parent, one of the most important things you can do is to ensure that your child is safe and healthy. This includes creating a safe environment for your child to play and learn in. Unfortunately, there are many potential hazards that can threaten your child’s safety, including toxic chemicals, dangerous playground equipment and even strangers.

In this article, we will discuss some steps that parents can take to protect their children and ensure that their environments are safe.

The first step in protecting your child is to be aware of the potential hazards in her environment. This includes understanding the risks associated with the people and places that your child interacts with. For example, if your child attends daycare or school, it is important to research the facility and ensure that it meets safety standards. You should also talk to your child’s teachers and caregivers to understand their policies and procedures for keeping children safe.

Another potential hazard that parents need to be aware of is toxic chemicals. Many household products contain dangerous chemicals that can be harmful to children. This includes cleaning products, pesticides and even some types of toys. Parents should read labels carefully and avoid products that contain harmful chemicals whenever possible. Additionally, parents should store these products out of the reach of children and ensure that they are properly disposed of when they are no longer needed.

In addition to toxic chemicals, parents should also be aware of the potential hazards associated with playground equipment. Many playgrounds are poorly maintained and can pose a serious risk to children. This includes equipment that is broken or worn, as well as equipment that is not properly anchored. Parents should inspect playgrounds carefully before allowing their children to play on them and report any hazards to the appropriate authorities.

Another important step in protecting your child is to teach her about personal safety. This includes talking to your child about the dangers of strangers and teaching them to never accept gifts or rides from people they do not know. Additionally, parents should teach their children to be aware of their surroundings and to seek help if they feel threatened or unsafe.

While there are many potential hazards that can threaten your child’s safety, there are also many steps that parents can take to protect their children. One of the most important steps is to be proactive and to take action to address potential hazards before they become a problem. This includes researching the people and places that your child interacts with, reading labels on household products and inspecting playgrounds and other environments for potential hazards.

Another important step is to talk to your child about personal safety and to teach them to be aware of her surroundings. This includes teaching them to never accept gifts or rides from strangers, to always stay in well-lit areas and to seek help if she feels threatened or unsafe.

Ultimately, the most important thing that parents can do to protect their children is to be present and involved in their lives. This includes spending time with your child, listening to their concerns and providing a safe and nurturing environment for them to grow and learn. By taking these steps, parents can help ensure that their children are safe and healthy and that they have the tools and skills they need to navigate the world safely.

In conclusion, protecting your child and ensuring a safe environment for play and learning is one of the most important responsibilities that parents have. This includes being aware of potential hazards and taking action to address them, teaching children about personal safety and being present and involved in their lives. By working together, parents, caregivers and communities can create a safe and healthy environment for children to grow and thrive in.

References

By vitalmadevadmin in Child Safety 0 Comment

How to Help Your Child Develop Strong Social Skills

how-to-develop-social-skills-in-toddlers

By Siyona Varghese

As a parent, you want to see your child thrive in all areas of their life, including socially. Strong social skills are crucial for your child’s development and future success, as they help him form positive relationships and communicate effectively with others. But how can you help your child develop these skills? The answer lies in play and interaction with others.

In this article, we’ll explore the ways in which you can support your child’s social development through these activities.

Encourage Playdates

Playdates are an excellent way for children to socialize and develop their social skills. They provide a safe and fun environment for children to interact with their peers, learn social cues and practice communication skills. As a parent, you can encourage playdates by reaching out to other parents in your community or through your child’s school. You can also organize playdates at your home or a nearby park.

When setting up playdates, it’s important to keep in mind your child’s personality and interests. You want to make sure he is comfortable and engaged in the activities. If your child is shy or introverted, it may be helpful to start with smaller playdates or one-on-one interactions. As your child becomes more comfortable, you can gradually introduce larger groups.

Role Play

Role-playing is a fun and interactive way to help your child develop his social skills. It involves acting out different scenarios with your child, such as ordering food at a restaurant or asking for help at a store. Through role-playing, your child can practice their communication skills, learn how to navigate social situations and develop empathy for others.

To start, you can choose a scenario and act it out with your child. You can switch roles and encourage your child to come up with his own scenarios as well. You can also use toys or props to make the role-playing more engaging.

Play Board Games

Board games are a great way to help your child develop his social skills, as they require turn-taking, following rules and communicating with others. By playing board games with your child, you can teach him how to be a good sport, how to handle winning and losing and how to work with others towards a common goal.

When choosing board games, look for ones that are age-appropriate and have simple rules. You can also involve your child in the selection process to make it more engaging. Some good options for younger children include Snakes and Ladders, Ludo and so on, while older children may enjoy games like Monopoly or Chess.

Play Outdoor Games

Outdoor games are a great way to expend the energy, stay fit and enjoy socializing with other kids. They are a great way to inculcate good habits to stay fit into their adult life.

Attend Community Events

Attending community events, such as festivals, fairs and concerts, is a great way to expose your child to new people and experiences. It provides an opportunity for your child to practice his social skills in a fun and exciting environment.

When attending community events, be sure to involve your child in the planning process. You can research events in your area together and let your child choose which ones they want to attend. You can also encourage your child to interact with others at the event, whether it’s by playing games, trying new foods or participating in activities.

Volunteer Together

Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to your community while also helping your child develop his social skills. By volunteering together, your child can learn how to work with others towards a common goal, develop empathy for others and practice communication skills.

There are many volunteer opportunities available for children, such as  participating in a beach cleanup or visiting a nursing home. You can also involve your child in the selection process and let them choose which causes he want to support.

In conclusion, helping your child develop strong social skills through play and interaction with others is crucial for their development and future success.

References

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

Hygiene and Self-Care for Toddlers: Essential Tips Every Parent Should Know

hygiene-and-self-care-for-toddlers

By Siyona Varghese

As a parent, ensuring the hygiene and self-care of your toddler is one of your top priorities. It not only promotes physical health but also plays a crucial role in their overall development. Toddlers are at a stage where they are exploring everything around them and as a result, their immune systems are not fully developed. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow some essential tips to ensure your toddler is healthy and happy.

Diapers: The sooner you stop using diapers, the better it is. You may opt for cloth re-usable diapers which are not super-absorbent so that wetness can be felt leading to the immediate removal of the diaper. Leaving on any kind of diaper on a child too long would result in infections including UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections).
Bathing: Bathing your toddler every day is essential to maintain their hygiene. It helps to remove any dirt, sweat or bacteria that may have accumulated on their skin during the day. Bathing also helps to prevent skin infections, rashes and irritation. Ensure that the water temperature is not too hot or too cold and use a mild soap or body wash specifically designed for children. If your child has sensitive skin, you may skip the soap on alternate days.

Oral Hygiene: Oral hygiene is essential for your toddler’s overall health. Encourage your child to brush her teeth twice a day, preferably in the morning and at night before going to bed. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small quantity of fluoride toothpaste, as it helps to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Do not use too much paste. Grain-size may just be sufficient. Avoid sugary foods and drinks as they can cause tooth decay. Avoid sugary toothpastes also.

Hand Washing: Teach your toddler to wash their hands before and after meals, after using the bathroom and after playing outside, with mild soap. Handwashing helps to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Use warm water and soap and make sure your child washes her hands thoroughly, including the backs of her hands, between her fingers and under her nails.

Nail Care: Keep your toddler’s nails short and clean to prevent the accumulation of dirt and bacteria. Long nails can also lead to scratches and cuts, which can easily become infected. Use a baby nail clipper or scissors, and ensure that you trim her nails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.

Skin Care: Toddlers have delicate skin, which is more susceptible to irritation and rashes. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap and lotion to keep their skin clean and moisturized. If your child has eczema or other skin conditions, consult a pediatrician for appropriate treatment.

Hair Care: Wash your toddler’s hair with a gentle shampoo designed for toddlers. Use a soft brush or comb to detangle her hair and avoid using hair accessories that are too tight or can cause scalp irritation.

Clothing and Laundry: Wash your toddler’s clothes, bedding and towels frequently to prevent the accumulation of bacteria, dust mites and other allergens. Use a mild, fragrance-free laundry detergent and avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets as they can irritate your child’s skin. Dress your toddler in loose-fitting, comfortable clothes made from breathable fabrics such as cotton.

In conclusion, following these essential hygiene and self-care tips can help to ensure that your toddler stays healthy and happy. It’s essential to be consistent and patient when teaching your child about hygiene and self-care. Encourage them to be independent, but supervise and assist them when necessary. By following these tips, you can help your toddler develop good hygiene habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

References

By vitalmadevadmin in Health and Special Needs 0 Comment

Raising Toddlers in the Digital Age: Balancing Screen Time and Age-Appropriate Content

raising-toddlers-in-digital-age

By Siyona Varghese

In today’s digital age, toddlers are growing up surrounded by screens. With smartphones, tablets and TVs being a common part of their daily lives, parents must navigate the fine line between allowing screen time and ensuring that their children are consuming age-appropriate content.

Firstly, it’s crucial to note that too much screen time can have adverse effects on a toddler’s development. Screen time has been linked to sleep problems, obesity and language development issues in toddlers. Try to limit screen time to 15 minutes a day for kids younger than 4 years and have no more than 1 hour of screen time per day for 4 to 5 year olds with no more than 30 minutes of screen time at one-go.

So, how can parents find a balance between screen time and age-appropriate content? The answer lies in actively supervising and curating their child’s screen time. Rather than relying on digital devices to keep their children entertained, parents should prioritize hands-on activities, such as reading, outdoor play and creative projects. Additionally, parents should set clear boundaries around when and how long their child can access screen time.

When it comes to age-appropriate content, parents need to be proactive in choosing suitable programming for their children. With so much content available online, it’s essential to vet the quality and appropriateness of any shows or games before allowing your child to engage with her. It’s also important to avoid shows or games that are violent or contain inappropriate language or themes.

Another way parents can ensure age-appropriate content is by using parental controls. Most devices and streaming services offer parental controls that allow parents to restrict access to certain programs or set time limits on screen time. By utilizing these features, parents can have peace of mind that their child is only accessing content that is appropriate for their age.

Lastly, parents can make screen time an interactive and educational experience by engaging with their child during their screen time. This can include asking questions about what she is watching or playing educational games together and discussing the themes or lessons presented in their favorite programs.

In conclusion, raising toddlers in the digital age requires a delicate balance between screen time and age-appropriate content.  It is recommended that parents prioritize hands-on activities over screen time, set clear boundaries around screen time, actively vet programming for appropriateness, utilize parental controls and engage with their child during screen time. By taking these steps, parents can ensure that their child is developing in a healthy and safe manner while still enjoying the benefits of technology.

References:

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

How to Practice Mindfulness as a Parent : Simple Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

practice-mindfulness-as-a-parent-

By Siyona Varghese

As a parent of infants and toddlers, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can help you reduce stress and anxiety and improve your overall well-being. By being mindful, you can learn to be more present at the moment and appreciate the little things in life. In this article, we’ll explore some simple techniques to help you practice mindfulness as a parent of infants and toddlers.

Take a Mindful Breath

The simplest way to practice mindfulness is to take a mindful breath. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or stressed, take a moment to close your eyes and take a deep breath. Focus on the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body. Pay attention to how your body feels as you breathe in and out. This simple technique can help you calm your mind and reduce stress.

Practice Mindful Listening

As a parent, you may feel like you’re always on the go, trying to keep up with your little ones. Take a break from the chaos and practice mindful listening. Choose a quiet spot in your home and listen to the sounds around you. Focus on the different tones and pitches of the sounds you hear. This practice can help you develop a sense of calm and mindfulness.

Practice Mindful Eating

Meal times can be stressful when you’re a parent. Instead of rushing through your meals, practice mindful eating. Focus on the flavors, textures and smells of the food you’re eating. Pay attention to how your body feels as you eat. This technique can help you develop a healthier relationship with food and reduce stress.

Engage in Mindful Play

Playing with your child can be a great way to practice mindfulness. Instead of going through the motions, be fully present during playtime. Pay attention to the sounds, colors and textures of the toys you’re playing with. Engage in meaningful conversations with your child and enjoy the time you spend together.

Practice Gratitude

As a parent, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily struggles of raising children. Take a moment each day to practice gratitude. Think about the things you’re thankful for, big or small. This simple act of mindfulness can help you appreciate the little things in life and reduce stress.

Conclusion: Practicing mindfulness as a parent of infants and toddlers can help you reduce stress, anxiety and improve your overall well-being. By being present in the moment, you can learn to appreciate the little things in life and build a stronger bond with your child. Whether you’re taking a mindful breath, engaging in mindful play or practicing gratitude these simple techniques can help you develop a healthier relationship with yourself and your child. Remember, mindfulness takes practice, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t come naturally at first. With time and practice, you’ll find that mindfulness can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety and improving your overall well-being.

References:

By vitalmadevadmin in Parent Care 0 Comment

Proven Strategies for Potty Training

potty-training-3-year-old

By Dr. Sandhya Pentareddy & Siyona Varghese

Potty training can start very early in a child’s life. Although it is generally done when the child is between 12 to 24 months, children as young as 3-month olds were trained in the older generations and are being trained now. Please see Elimination Communication.  However, keep in mind that training needs to be based on the readiness of the child. And it has to be done without causing stress to the child. With early potty training, results are not achieved within a day but the child gradually learns, reaping the benefits of hygiene from the beginning itself. In the case of Elimination Communication, even though several children may not get fully potty trained until 18 to 24 months, they would have fewer and fewer accidents and cleaner habits right from the get-go. Very early in the game, you can reduce the use of diapers and keep the children healthier.  With any method you use, keep in mind that bladder control is typically achieved only between 18 to 30 months of age. Even at three years of age, full bladder control is not to be assumed. It may take up to 5 years to develop complete bladder control. Night time bladder control happens even much later than day-time.  So, be understanding towards the child and keep the training stress free.

Some may decide to potty train a child later in the toddler-hood, which is also fine. Here are some proven strategies for potty training your toddler:

Start with a Positive Attitude and Patience: The first and foremost thing to keep in mind while potty training your child is to have a positive attitude and a lot of patience. Potty training can be stressful for both the parent and the child, so it’s important to keep a calm and positive attitude to avoid making the child feel pressured, ashamed or overwhelmed. Remember that every child is different and some may take longer than others to get the hang of it.

Introduce the Concept of Using the Potty Early On: Introducing the concept of using the potty early on can be helpful in making the process smoother. You can start by reading books about potty training or watching videos that explain how it works. Encourage your child to ask questions and let him know that using the potty is a normal and important part of growing up. In some cultures, the parent of the same gender sits on the commode and tells the child that they use it when they need to “go”. Children often model adult behaviour so this can motivate a child to try using a potty. You can be fully clothed, while you explain to your child.

Help your child communicate: Observe your child and learn the cues that your child displays when he wants to pee or poop. You may notice a grimace, a funny face or some unique cue. If you are child is saying a few words, you can teach him to say simple words with sounds he can make like pee/susu, poop/kaka when the nature call comes. Some parents teach hand gestures or sign language too. You can use these words or signs at the time your child is showing the cues, so they understand what the words and signs mean.

Guide your child: When you notice the cues, you can take your child to the potty or wash room gently, by holding his hand. Guide him to a child potty or an adult potty with a child-potty-seat, be with the child and help him with the process. Teach all the good habits you want to teach your child including washing hands. If your child is very young, keeping them on the potty for minutes is a challenge. So, find ways to keep him engaged with your chatter, story-telling, or reading a book. You can even choose to read a good story book that illustrates using a potty for children.

Keep a portable potty handy: There are good plastic portable potties available, which can be used from the age a child can sit till 40 months. From the age of 12 months onward, a child may use the big commodes with a child-potty-seat on top. There are potty seats with a couple of steps too, that help the child climb and sit. While training a young child who is unable to hold the pee/poop for long enough to go to the washroom, it is a good idea to keep a portable potty handy in the area where your child plays at home. This way, he can quickly go and use the potty. This is a great tool to train a young child before he can start using the washroom. This potty can be shifted to the washroom later and then you can progress to using the big commode with a potty seat. Some parents directly use the big commode to make it a one-stop training but the method is up to you based on the child’s readiness and convenience.

Use Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool in potty training your child. Praise your child every time he successfully use the potty, even if it’s just a small accomplishment. This can help build his confidence and motivate him to continue using the potty. You can also use stickers or a reward chart to track his progress and give him a visual representation of his achievements.

Follow a Consistent Routine: Following a consistent routine can be helpful in establishing good potty habits for your child. Set specific times for using the potty, such as after meals, before naps and before bedtime. Stick to the routine as much as possible, even on weekends or when you’re away from home. This can help your child get into the habit of using the potty regularly and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Be Prepared for Accidents: Accidents are a natural part of the potty training process, so it’s important to be prepared for them. Have extra clothes and wipes on hand in case of accidents and try not to get upset or angry when they occur. Do not shout or punish the kid for accidents. Instead, calmly clean up the mess and remind your child that accidents happen, but they can try again next time.

In conclusion, potty training can be a challenging but a rewarding experience. It requires patience, consistency and a positive attitude. By introducing the concept of using the potty early on, using positive reinforcement, following a consistent routine and being prepared for accidents, you can help your child successfully master this important milestone in his development. Remember that every child is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to potty training. With persistence and a little bit of creativity, you’ll find the strategies that work best for your child and your family.

This article refers to the toilet training for day-time needs. Note that children have smaller bladders so may not stop peeing at night until much later, which is called bed-wetting. Your child may grow out of bed-wetting anywhere between 3 to 7 years of age.

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By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment