Friday, May 20, 2011

how to toilet train kids with special needs

i have mentioned in my previous post how upset i was when my daughter wet herself for a few times in one day. it was very stressful after training her for a few months and now it's as if we never started it at all. i found this great website on how to potty train our kids by age of five. well, i guess it depends on the readiness of the kid. some are ready at five and some at later childhood. my daughter is 3.8 yrs old but she will be mainstreamed this coming June so we really have to work hard on this potty training. i will start teaching her again tomorrow and my target: no accidents until June 4 by then i will be confident that she will be able to carry on this skill even when she's in school.
Preparations
You will need:
  • At least a couple of these readiness signs: The ability to follow simple instructions, dislike of wearing soiled diapers, regular bowel movements, or being able to stay dry for at least two hours.
  • 5 (or more) pairs of sweat pants for your child that can be pulled up and down easily, without snaps, buttons or zippers. Buy the kind that are absorbent, yet will allow your child to feel wetness. These will save you from huge clean-ups.
  • Lots of pairs of underwear (not the pull-up diapers).
  • A child-size potty chair, or a stepping stool to the toilet.
  • A motivator/reward, such as favorite candy, toy, or book.
  • Three days where you can devote a good amount of your time and focus.( important)
The Procedure
  1. Dress your child in her new underpants and sweats, explaining that she's a big girl now. Let her freely drink her favorite beverage. Allow her to go about her daily activities, but watch her carefully.
  2. When she wets herself, say "Oh Dear! Potty goes in the potty chair!" (Or something similar.) Place her hand on the wet spot of her pants while you say this. Then take her by the hand and walk to the bathroom.
  3. When you arrive at the toilet, you will guide her through the following routine, breaking it into five steps: Pull down pants, sit on the potty, wipe clean, pull up pants, wash hands. (Say those short phrases as you help her do each step.)
  4. Once her hands are washed, you will lead her back to the exact spot she was standing or sitting when she had her accident. Start over as though the accident just happened. Place her hand, again, on her wet pants. "Oh Dear! Potty goes in the potty chair!" Then you will walk her back to the toilet and go through the five steps again. Repeat this entire procedure five times. (Yes, five.) Your child may cry or resist, but be calm, pleasant, and firm. After the fifth time, change her clothes and let her play.
  5. About once every hour or two, ask, "Do you need to use the potty?" Even if she says no, best to take her there. Sit your child on the potty chair for ten minutes. If she has success, give the motivator...candy, a favorite book, etc. Cheer and make a big deal out of it. If nothing happens, say, "Okay, we'll try again later."
  6. Anytime an accident occurs, follow steps 2, 3, and 4.
it's almost the same procedure as i did with my daughter, however, there was no step 4. i guess that is the most important part, consistency with the procedure. so i will be doing this all over again with my daughter tomorrow and hopefully accidents will be lesser on the coming days until she can independently go to the toilet all by herself. =)

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