Waterlooville expert says one in four children starting school not toilet trained
New research is finding parents can find it difficult to toilet train their child
As school's return, we're hearing from a Waterlooville expert that one in four children are starting reception not toilet trained.
New research is showing nearly half of parents say they find it difficult to train their child.
Jamie Victoria Barnes, an early years expert, is telling us how it can impact children at school.
She said: "This can impact their confidence, it can also give them an additional stresser, not knowing whether they need the toilet or how to go to the toilet, how to care for themselves on their own.
"We don't want to create more anxieties or worries for children."
New research is finding teachers spend up to 1.4 hours per day managing accidents and helping children with key skills such as wiping and handwashing.
It also found many parents need more toilet training support with 48% of parents saying they find it difficult, which rose to 56% among those toilet training four-year-olds.
Five steps to help parents are:
- Help children understand what's happening
- Recognise the signs that they need the toilet
- Praise progress
- Learn practical skills such as handwashing and wiping
- Stay consistent once children begin wearing pants during the day
She's telling us her advice to parents.
"Like with any new skill we need to have empathy, compassion towards a child and allow them to make mistakes and absolutely it's fine, not to dwell on them.
"Absolutely a positive experience and do lots and lots of praising for them."