Schools staff look for certain physical and psychological signs. First, at Rainbow Schools, admissions decisions do not depend on if a child is potty trained. Rather, if a child is not potty trained, the school is equipped with diaper-changing stations and trained staff that check and change diapers at least every two hours, carefully recording whether the diaper is dry, wet or has a stool. “If the diaper is dry in between changes, this show us that they are developing the physical control,” explains Paragoso. “Then, we might have them sit on the toilet and try to use the potty. “If they are afraid to sit on the toilet and say no, then they are not ready. Instead, we might try to help them become comfortable with the toilet by having them simply touch it with their legs or another object.” and even bring the child into the bathroom experience with them, if both parties are comfortable with that concept. Build a vocabulary (potty, shi shi, poo poo – whatever words you use in your language). Vocabulary building can occur when the parent uses the potty, when changing baby’s diapers, by directly introducing the child to the potty or even through reading books. Make the conversations factual – or even fun, if possible – as going to the bathroom is a normal part of life – not something to be thought of as disgusting. Sight some potty-readiness signs For parents whose potty-training goals are for their children to independently walk into a bathroom, pull down their pants, use the potty, wipe themselves, wash their hands, and more – Rainbow 118 HAWAII PARENT September/October 2024 Incentives and enthusiasm for their progress can help ease a child’s transition out of diapers. “Educators at Rainbow Schools have partnered with parents to train thousands of students to use the potty.”
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