Summer is over, and everyday life is back, for both young and old. It means going back to regular routines, but for some also a completely new reality – especially for children starting kindergarten and boys and girls who have started school. For some children, there is a little extra uncertainty associated with another big change, when the surroundings are different – namely going from nappy to toilet. Stine Mari Engh Abelsen is head of department at the health center in Kongsberg, and talks a lot with uncertain parents. – Going to the toilet is completely normal, just like eating and sleeping. Most people probably start at the age of 2–3, and are mature and ready for it then. But there are big individual differences, she says. Security and predictability – When we are about to start something new, the children can be a little vulnerable, and it can be fertile ground for worry and wonder. This also applies to the parents. We adults are bombarded with information, advice and input, about what is right and what is wrong. Stine Mari Engh Abelsen, head of department at Kongsberg health centre, believes it is important that parents interpret the signals from the child. Photo: Privat – But as in all transitions, which is also weaning from nappies, I think it’s a lot about security, frameworks and predictability, says Abelsen. – What are the signs that the child is ready to stop using nappies? – We often wonder that, but there are very individual differences. Then it’s about being sensitive to the child’s signals, and following along a bit. Many children find it scary to go to toilets other than at home. Photo: Stian Haraldsen / news – Be curious together Stine Mari Engh Abelsen has the following advice for the nappy changing workers before the transition to the doe: I think one of the best things we can do is to create a commitment and curiosity, and to be curious together. Explore the doe and the doset, or potty, together. Then we get in much better contact with each other too. Then we become more sensitive to the signals the child brings. And children are very good at imitating. Perhaps the children should be allowed to go to the bathroom together with their parents or older siblings, even if the toilet is one of the few places where we get a little peace. Nevertheless, children are good at taking after us adults. Readers’ best tips There was great interest in the comments section when news wrote about the fact that many first-graders have not yet made the transition from nappies. Here is their best advice: Via potta or right on the toilet? – Do we have to use the potty, or can we put them directly on the toilet? – There is no definitive answer to that, and the most important thing is to follow the child’s needs. Look for the signals, says Stine Mari Engh Abelsen. Many parents find it demanding if their children resist and refuse to take the step. – If it causes concern or makes you feel unsafe, I think it’s a good idea to talk to someone, for example those of us who work at the health centre. We talk to many parents about this. – What do you think about luring with a reward? – We must be very aware that going to the toilet is a completely normal thing, which everyone does. If you give rewards, what are you rewarding? Is it because the child is peeing, or because he is sitting on the toilet. I think it is more important to create routines. Published 04/09/2024, at 11.24
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How to get the child to stop using diapers? Here is the expert’s best advice – news Buskerud – Local news, TV and radio
