Potty Training Tips for Nannies: A Practical Guide
In This Article:
Potty training is a key developmental milestone, and as a nanny, your role is crucial in making this process smooth and successful for both the child and the family. This guide covers everything from preparing for potty training to handling setbacks and communicating effectively with parents.
Start with a Plan
Before diving into potty training, it’s essential to have a clear plan that aligns with the family’s goals and the child’s readiness. Sometimes potty training is something that parents ask nannies to handle and they follow the nanny’s lead, sometimes the parents want to be the ones in charge.
Sit down with the parents and discuss expectations, timelines, and methods. Are they looking for a fast-paced approach, like the "3-day potty training" method, or do they prefer a more gradual process? What are their expectations of you in this process? The more you can be aligned before starting out, the smoother it will be for everything.
A few things to consider when planning:
Assess the child’s readiness: Look for signs of physical, cognitive, and emotional readiness. Has the child expressed an interest in the potty or an unhappiness with the diaper? Are they staying dry for longer periods? If not, it might be best to wait a bit longer.
Agree on methods: Will you be using traditional potty training, or are the parents interested in trying elimination communication (EC)? Decide on the approach and ensure everyone is on board.
Set a routine: Consistency is key in potty training, so create a structured daily schedule. For example, offer the potty after meals, before naps, and at bedtime. Make sure the parents are prepared to follow the same schedule on weekends.
By having a solid plan, you'll create an environment that fosters success and minimizes frustration for both the child and the family
What is Elimination Communication (EC)?
Elimination Communication (EC) is an alternative potty training method that starts early in infancy. It involves responding to the child’s natural signals when they need to go. This method is based on the idea that babies can communicate their elimination needs, and with practice, they can associate potty time with those cues.
Key tips for EC:
Observe cues: Watch for facial expressions, body language, or sounds that signal when the baby is about to eliminate.
Create a routine: Offer the potty at regular intervals, such as after waking up or after meals.
Use cues and sounds: Many parents use a specific sound like a whistle or "psst" when the child is on the potty to create a clear association.
Stay flexible: EC isn't all-or-nothing. You can still use diapers when it’s more convenient, like during travel or nighttime. Accidents will happen and need to be viewed as a natural part of the process.
Although EC requires patience and consistent attention, it can lead to earlier potty independence and fewer diapers in the long run.
Traditional Potty Training Tips: Step-by-Step
For more traditional potty training, here’s a structured approach to help you guide the child through the process:
Introduce the potty: Let the child get familiar with the potty by talking about it and letting them sit on it without pressure.
Use a schedule: Offer the potty at set times throughout the day—after meals, before naps, and first thing in the morning.
Positive reinforcement: Praise or reward the child when they use the potty successfully. Stickers, verbal encouragement, or small treats can be motivating, or you can focus more on how good it feels to “get it out”.
Dress for success: Use easy-to-remove clothing so the child can quickly get to the potty. Some parents and nannies choose to let the kiddos walk around commando at home to help the child learn the connection between how the body feels and when it’s time to go potty.
Accidents happen: Stay calm and reassuring when accidents occur. Remind the child to try again next time without showing frustration.
Nighttime training: Once the child is comfortable during the day, consider focusing on nighttime training by reducing fluids before bed and offering a potty trip right before sleep.
Communicating with Parents
Consistency is vital in potty training, and one common challenge nannies face is maintaining progress when parents take over on weekends. Open communication with parents is key to ensuring success and will make this process easier, and more positive, for both adults and kiddos.
Share progress updates: At the end of the week, provide detailed updates on what’s working and what still needs focus.
Align routines: Encourage the parents to follow the same potty routine during the weekends. If the child has made significant progress, suggest continuing to use the same language, cues, and rewards to avoid confusion.
Address setbacks calmly: If parents aren’t following through, have a respectful conversation about the importance of consistency for the child’s success. Frame it in a way that emphasizes teamwork rather than criticism. Call back to your initial conversations about your hopes and expectations for the process (see why it’s so good to have that convo up front?).
Bonus Tips for Potty Training Success
When you’re out and about:
Bring a portable potty or potty seat for outings.
Offer the potty before leaving home and find bathroom stops when you arrive at your destination.
Pack extra clothes and wipes for accidents.
Choosing the right time:
Potty training during warmer months can be easier as children wear fewer clothes.
Avoid starting potty training during major life changes, such as moving or a new sibling arriving.
Handling setbacks:
Potty training regressions are common, especially during stressful periods like illness or travel. Be patient and encourage the child to keep trying.
Stay calm during accidents and remind the child that it’s part of the learning process.
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