Newstead Early Education and Care recently hosted a 'Toilet Learning' night with Elena Marouchos, Mentor, Teacher and Learner of infant toddler pedagogy and philosophy.
Families gathered to hear Elena present on ‘Toilet Learning’ for infants and toddlers, exploring the importance of making toilet learning a pleasurable experience.
"Toilet learning starts from the very first nappy change and children go through stages of development that help them be ready to learn to use the toilet. This includes physiological, cognitive and emotional readiness to take on this big step." said Elena.
In her book 'Becoming the Parents You Want to Be', Janet Keyser says;
"Many parents have been taught that it's their job to 'toilet train' children, that they are the ones who should be in charge of this important transition in children's lives. However, since most children give up their nappies in the toddler years, a time when they are programmed to 'balk' at our ideas, it can be helpful, both for parents and children, if we shift our thinking from 'toilet training' to 'toilet learning', in which children take the lead.
Being a facilitator, rather than a trainer means setting the stage for the learning to happen and providing the necessary information and resources, but leaving the timing and rhythm up to the child. This approach provides our children with needed autonomy and independence, eliminating unnecessary toileting battles, and clears the way for their eventual success.
In order to make the successful transition to 'independent toileting' children need to be 'ready' in three different ways.
Growth is not always even. A child may be emotionally and physically ready, but have lots of accidents, especially in new and interesting settings.
Before your child starts using the toilet, you can set the stage for future learning.
Helping children learn to use the toilet is one of the first ventures into 'teaching' that many parents take. Toilet learning provides parents with an opportunity not only to help children get out of nappies but also to figure out how 'teaching-learning' relationships work with their children.
Newstead families learned ways to help children approach this new skill by using nappy changes, dressing and toilet time as a way to connect, be available and have the time to spend with the children during toilet learning.
“There should be no pressure, no reward or punishment, no adult deciding when the child should learn to use a potty. The environment is prepared and the child is free to explore and imitate in these natural developmental stages” (The Joyful Child).
“It was such a great opportunity to dedicate time with Elena to learn how to support children, whether it be at home or at child care, on toilet learning" said Newstead Centre Director, Kelly Grabham
"I love the notion of ‘toilet learning', instead of ‘toilet training’, as children learn about this process from very early on and it gives the sense that they are embracing the learning of a new skill, they are showing their readiness and learning skills needed to use the toilet long before and adult decides to start ‘training’."
"I think we all walked away with some new ideas to try and had the opportunity to reflect where we are up to with our own children in their ‘toilet learning’ journey," Kelly said.
At Gowrie NSW, we believe strongly in lifelong learning, and see ourselves as a community that continues to learn together. As such, we provide opportunities not only for children and staff to learn, but for families as well. Find your nearest Gowrie NSW centre
Elena is an ECE consultant offering mentorship and professional development within early childhood centres in New Zealand and abroad. The privilege of home visits with parents and seeing the confidence it instils when practice is articulated have helped her further embrace the Approach as more than a philosophy but a way of life.
*Excerpts from 'Becoming the Parents You Want to Be' by Janis Keyser
Learn more about Newstead Early Education and Care