Summarize the following:
Some schools expect your child to be at least partially potty trained, especially if your child is 4-years-old or older. If your child is younger, your child may not need to be completely potty trained, however you and your child should be working on it together. Wait patiently for you child to be ready. Your child should start showing interest in the toilet and underwear before you begin. This will usually be about the age of 2 or 2. Your child should also be able to understand directions and stay dry for about 2 hours at a time. To increase success, make sure that your child can communicate and wants to be clean and dry. Coming to you when he/she needs a change is a wonderful readiness skill. Your child should also know: up and down, clean and dirty, and wet and dry. They should know the names of their body parts and the potty terminology used in your house, for example, pee and poop. Get tools to help you potty train. It's difficult for your child to use a regular-sized toilet without any adaptations. You can either get your child a small toilet that is their size, or you can invest in a smaller child-sized toilet seat that fits over your regular one. You may also want to get a stool that your child can use to reach the toilet, or to reach the sink when washing their hands after using the toilet. You can also try switching to underwear or training pants. A lot of preschools will appreciate it if your child wears disposable training pants because they are easy to clean up after accidents and the child can pull them up and down making it easier to use the toilet. In fact, letting your kid pick out underwear or training pants can help get your child excited about the process. It's also important to have clothes that your child can get off easily. Try to take regular bathroom breaks throughout the day. During these breaks, have your child try sitting on the potty without a diaper. Both boys and girls should be sitting down at first, even though boys will move to standing up and peeing in a urinal later. Try having them sit on the toilet about half an hour after eating. You should also encourage your child to take a break when they look like they need to go. They may wiggle around or grab at their crotch area, for instance. Get your kid to the bathroom as soon as you notice the signs. If your they end up going in the potty, make sure to show your excitement so they get the idea. Letting your kid flush the toilet can also be a fun reward for some kids. Rewards can be helpful, too. You can use whatever incentive your child enjoys, such as stickers or even reading time with a parent or sibling. Give your child a reward every time they go potty in the toilet. Of course, your child's teacher will help when your child needs a zipper done up or shoes tied, but the teacher only has so much time. The more your child can do by themselves, the better. Try to make learning dressing skills a game. For example, you could have your child see how fast they can dress themselves and tie their shoes, then see if they can beat their time. Remember to show excitement for skills they've done well. Ask your child's teacher what type of shoes they prefer the children to wear and teach your child to put on and take off shoes by themselves. Let your child practice shoe tying with a string attached to a board. Show older children how to lower and raise their pants, waistbands, or zippers independently when using the bathroom. You also find toys which help your child work on buttons, zippers, and Velcro. Most children 3 and up can be taught how to put their coat on by themselves. Try laying the jacket flat in front of the child, facing away from them. Have them put their hands in the sleeves and flip the jacket over their head. Your nursery school will likely encourage independent eating for lunch, breakfast and snacks. Ask your child's nursery school what meals are served when and try your best to emulate these mealtimes in your home in the weeks leading up to your child's start in school so their body adjusts to expecting meals at these times. Have your child work on feeding themselves during meal time. Younger children may use their fingers to eat. Three and four year olds should use spoons or forks. Practice using a cup with your child as well. Practice "family style dining" at home. This is when food is served in big bowls and drinks served in pitchers on a family table. Invite your child to use ladles to serve themselves food and to pour their drink into their cup from a pitcher. Nursery schools often work to teach your child to eat "family style". In school, children will be expected to be a part of the mealtime clean up process. Have your child clean their plates up independently by having a child-size trash can where they can throw excess food. Ask your child's nursery school if they will be using paper plates and cups or if they should bring in a set from home. Teach your child that paper paper plates and cups are thrown out and at home, their plates and cups are washed in the sink for reuse.
Work on potty training. Establish a schedule for bathroom breaks. Practice dressing skills. Practice independent eating.