Toilet Training at 4 Years Old

Many parents wait to potty train their four year old, however this is a long time to wait when there are no behavioral or mental problems that are taking place. This is an important milestone that a child needs to meet and they cannot go to preschool if they are not toilet trained yet by this age.

When it comes to potty training a four year old, keep in mind that the process has changed a little. As a parent you still need to be positive and patient with the four year old, however at the same time there does need to be consequences for their actions at this age. An important step of potty training a 4 year old will be that they will need to clean up after themselves when they have had an accident now.

Keep in mind these tips when potty training a four year old:

Still make sure that the 4 year old becomes comfortable with the toilet and make sure that they still have a potty seat to use and potty stool as well. Having the right tools for them to use is still very important and they need to have these items so that they can get on and off the toilet or have their own special potty seat to use.

Keep in mind to still stay relaxed also. Toilet training does not have to be stressful and even though the child is 4, it can still be an exciting time for a child to be learning and growing up. Be relaxed and patient still with the child.

Always be encouraging and there should never be any punishment for accidents or mistakes. However, at the same time like already mentioned, they do need to clean up their own messes as well. Giving praise and encouragement when they succeed and use the potty is important, but they also need to recognize that they have to clean up these accidents now, since they are too old to still not be using the toilet.

Do help with wiping when a bowl movement has occurred. They need to be taught to wipe after using the bathroom, however they may still need help with wiping at ages 4 and 5.

Get them out of the diapers if they are still wearing them. Many children are very comfortable wearing diapers. They do not have to stop what they are doing to use the toilet and they can continue to go about their business. Part of this is being very comfortable wearing them and not wanting to have to stop what they are doing. Get them out of the diapers and get them into cloth training pants instead. These do not pull moisture away and the child will know that they are wet. This uncomfortable feeling should help to get them to want to use the toilet instead of being in soiled training pants.

Pay attention to when they are having bowl movements and wetting themselves. Knowing their schedule will help with the toilet training.

Also, typically by 4 years of age, there may be some peer pressure that is occurring for the child to use the potty. If you have other children or nieces and nephews that can talk to the child than this can be very helpful in motivating the child to use the toilet.