Boys and girls differ at the best of times, it's even more evident when Potty Training. Here's some tips for helping your girl out of nappies
Girls are said to be easier to train than boys, but is it true? Here’s some advice on getting them out of nappies
At a glance
- Lead by example - Show and tell her how you go to the toilet
- Make it fun! Play games and use stickers to give her a possitive experience
- Try and avoid difficult clothing like tights
Ancient wisdom has it that girls are easier to train than boys. It’s true that girls are usually physically and mentally ready a few months earlier than boys – but mums often say there can be more psychological battles with girls, especially as they get nearer three years old.
Getting started
Before you start it’s useful for her to see you using the loo so she can copy what you do. If you can bear it, give her a running commentary on what you’re doing and be prepared to answer lots of questions about why she can’t stand up to do it like Daddy or her brother...
Girls often like to accessorise their potties with stickers, which can be a good way for her to get acquainted with her new ‘ornament’ and be relaxed around it. If she likes role play games she could also get her teddies to use the potty and incorporate it into her games of mummies and daddies.
Tights are the enemy of potty training. Even if your daughter is fanatical about her skirts and dresses, explain that it’s better to wear trousers for the time being because they’re quicker and easier to pull down and up.
Getting the foundations right
It’s really important to teach girls to wipe their bottoms correctly– from front to back, to avoid spreading bacteria from her bowel to the other openings. The bacteria can cause a urinary infection, which are more common in girls around potty training time. (The symptoms are a high temperature, pain/burning when weeing and a need to wee frequently. Make a doctor’s appointment for that day if you think she has an infection as she’ll need antibiotics.) If she’s not quite able to wipe herself properly yet, it’s better to be safe and do it yourself for a while.
Keep it relaxed
Girls are often more eager to please than boys and more motivated by reward charts and generally thrilled by stickers. That’s great, but watch out you’re not accidentally putting too much pressure on her. You don’t want her to feel a failure if she has an accident.
Some girls really don’t like using the loo and get worried they will fall down it and be flushed away. If she’s not convinced even with a trainer seat, there’s no harm in continuing with the potty until she feels ready.