As the warmth of summer beckons, it's an opportune time to delve into the realms of toilet training and mastering some of the morning dressing routine with your child, especially if they are starting Pre School or School in September. These milestones are pivotal in their development, and while each child progresses at their own pace, there are strategies to ease the journey.
Toilet training isn't just about mastering the act of using the toilet; it's a comprehensive skill set that includes recognising internal sensations and understanding appropriate actions. Some children may find this transition daunting, particularly if they struggle with interoceptive awareness—the ability to sense and interpret internal bodily cues. Supporting this awareness can significantly facilitate the toilet training process.
Once toilet training is underway, attention naturally shifts to auxiliary skills like bottom wiping and hand-washing. These simple tasks require coordination and understanding, yet they are crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing discomfort or health issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs). It's essential to encourage your child to practice these skills, offering gentle guidance and reassurance along the way. Remember, it's perfectly normal for accidents to occur, especially as your child navigates new environments or situations. Where there is resistance, get curious and try to identify what is at the root. Do they need additional scaffolding or accommodations? Is the sensory experience of being in the bathroom overwhelming, do they get anxious about germs and would rather wear gloves to wipe? If you need tailored support in this area, do get in touch.
When it comes to the morning dressing routine, visual cues can be a game-changer. Consider incorporating a mirror into your child's dressing area, allowing them to see each step clearly and gain confidence in their abilities. Alternatively, sequencing picture cards can provide a tangible roadmap for the dressing process, breaking it down into manageable steps. Checklists can benefit older children to ensure they hit all the steps but feel empowered rather than nagged!
Ensuring shoes are on the correct feet may seem straightforward, but for young learners, it can be a source of confusion. One helpful technique is to personalise their shoes by writing the first half of their name on the left shoe and the second half on the right.
Shoe fastenings can also pose a hurdle, particularly as children transition from Velcro to laces. Breaking down the process into simple steps and providing visual prompts can help ease this transition. Consider using a shoe-tying board or creating a step-by-step visual guide to assist your child in mastering this valuable skill. Check-in with some of those fine motor skills to ensure their fingers have the dexterity for the task.
For children struggling with socks, playfully explore together. Encourage them to mimic the motion of putting on socks using hair scrunchies, gradually transitioning to practising with socks on toys or chair legs before their feet. This gradual exposure builds confidence and familiarity with the process, ultimately leading to independence in dressing.
Lastly, sensory preferences play a significant role in dressing comfort. Opt for seamless socks or larger sizes to accommodate sensory sensitivities, and consider incorporating sensory-friendly practices like foot massages or brushing before putting on socks. These small adjustments can make a difference in your child's dressing experience.
Remember, every small step forward in toilet training and mastering the morning dressing routine is a victory worth celebrating. If you find yourself facing challenges along the way, know that support is available. I offer personalised coaching tailored to your child's unique needs, helping them navigate these milestones with confidence and ease.
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Together, let's empower your child to conquer these summer milestones with joy and resilience.
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