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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Lisa Hodge

Tips on toilet training your toddler - without it driving you potty

Some children pick it up in days, others can take weeks and months - but whatever happens, there is no avoiding toilet training.

Whenever your little one cracks it and finally ditches nappies, you can be sure it will be a big moment for the full family, but it won't happen overnight.

Here are some tips for parents, courtesy of experts at Parent Club Scotland, to make the transition easier.

Teachers are being forced to help potty train school children (Getty)

Timing is everything

Make sure you time it right. From the moment you decide to start toilet training, it's crucial you feel your child is ready.

Starting them before they are comfortable could make the whole process harder. When they have started the process young children usually need to use the toilet around 15 to 20 minutes after they have had a drink.

Try to time it so they are on the potty sometime around then and they might just go.

Potty training (Getty Images)

Short and Sweet

A few minutes at a time is all a child should spend on the potty in the training stages.

Any longer and you risk them getting bored and the novelty wearing off. Little and often is key.

Give praise

Lots of praise goes a long way. You might find a small reward or treat is a great motivation for little minds to keep them heading for that potty.

Toy Time

Having toys near and around the potty will go a long way to encouraging your little one to sit a little longer. Having something to occupy their mind might also relax your toddler making the pee-pee process less regimented.

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