Monthly Archives: March 2018

Treat Your Child’s ADHD Naturally With Naturopathic Medicine

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – known better by its acronym, ADHD – affects an estimate of over 50 million people, and is common in children. Characterized by impulsivity, difficulty paying attention, and excessive restless activity, ADHD can be difficult on children and parents. But the good news is that, through therapy, diet and medicine, it can be managed.

But many parents here in Ajax are sceptical of medicine prescribed for ADHD, either of its side effects or its overall efficacy, and that’s why they look to natural medicine as either a replacement or supplement to their child’s traditional ADHD medicine. Using non-invasive, non-toxic treatments natural medicine helps a child with ADHD gain better focus, control impulsivity and become calmer.

The first step, as with anything, is to do some research, and learn about the benefits of seeing a naturopath for your child’s ADHD. Finding a Naturopath here in Ajax will take some looking, but the ones that are here are wonderfully helpful, offering an array of naturopathic services, like botanical medicine, vitamin supplements, homeopathy and acupuncture. A Naturopathic Doctor will treat your child personally – that is, they will resist an easy, catch-all approach and instead delve into the specifics of what might be underlying your child’s ADHD.

This focus on the big picture belies a more preventative approach, one that seeks not just to remedy symptoms, but get to the root of what’s causing those symptoms. It’s the kind of personal approach that, unfortunately, is missing in much of mainstream medicine, which is another reason parents should consider supplementing their child’s traditional medicine with naturopathic treatment as well.

There is solid evidence that diet plays a major role in ADHD symptoms, so one of the first things that a Naturopathic Doctor is likely to do is create a diet for your child. This might include a focus on overall nutrition, or supplemental vitamins and minerals, or it might entail eliminating certain things from your child’s diet. There have studies done that indicate rolling back simple carbs and introducing more omega-3 fatty acids – found in nuts and olive oil, and also in fish and fish oil supplements – help treat ADHD symptoms. There is also good evidence that food additives (such as these nine) and artificial colour are linked with hyperactivity, so a Naturopathic Doctor might suggest eliminating those from your child’s diet.

Of course, ADHD symptoms can vary greatly between people, and you shouldn’t take as gospel anything you read on the internet; you need to look into seeing a naturopath about your child’s specific form of ADHD to properly treat it with natural medicine. According to this study, from BMC psychiatry, a significant number of children overcome or partially overcome symptoms of ADHD as they grow older, and it’s with the help of a number of approaches. If you are treating your child’s ADHD with conventional medicine, it might be time to think about supplementing those efforts with naturopathic medicine. Visit a Naturopathic Doctor here in Ajax to learn more.

All About the Precious Metals IRA

 

We all take our retirement plans seriously and if you’ve been looking at broadening your investments beyond savings accounts and mutuals, then you may well have been thinking about a precious metals IRA.

It’s not actually as simple as buying some gold bars here and then keeping them in your safe, though; you need to open a specific account with a company that can handle precious metals in the context of an IRA.

Thankfully there’s lots of companies that can do just this for you, so talk to your financial adviser to find the best one for you.

How does your IRA work?

It’s important to understand how each investment vehicle works before you part with any cash. Precious metals IRAs have come up the popularity ranks in the last decade, possibly as a reaction to the 2008 crash. Many people wonder if they’re better off sticking with their 401K, swapping over to a precious metals IRA, or even doing both.

First off, you need to find out if your existing IRA lets you invest in precious metals. If it does, then go ahead; if not, then you may need to rollover your funds into an IRA that will let you use precious metals.

Ideally, this IRA should also let you use other investments in it as well so you’re well-diversified. Basically, what you’re doing with a precious metals IRA is changing assets like stocks, bonds and mutual funds for gold, silver and platinum – but without using any cash to make the transaction.

Say for example your IRA was gold-backed; it’d be handled by the account administrator and a custodian who would store the metal in a vault, in compliance with IRS laws.

Compliance counts

It’s vital that you comply with IRS regulations if you want to get the full benefit from your investment once you’ve stopped work. You need to keep your metals in a safe place – one that’s approved by the Federal Reserve – and that’s separate from the custodian’s address.

Why you should think about a PM IRA

Just understanding how a PM IRA works isn’t enough – you need to think about why you might want to start one and if it’s right for you.

If you put some of your money into assets that aren’t dollar-backed then you’re giving yourself some really useful diversification in your retirement funds. Many people use metals as a hedge against inflation and market uncertainty, especially when the global markets are more uncertain than usual, as is the case now.

Gold is the big hedge-metal, but silver is also increasingly valuable as it’s being used in more and more industrial applications, especially in solar power tech, which isn’t showing any signs of flagging!

Diversifying your retirement portfolio means that you have more bases covered. If inflation suddenly goes up, your metals will “step in” to balance things out and if the market becomes very buoyant, well, your dollar-backed assets are doing great and you’ve got lots of gold and silver, which never hurt anyone.

Surviving as a Student in Bolton

 

Studying in Bolton can be an enriching experience for any student and you’ll find the town has an active nightlife and plenty of entertainment to enjoy throughout the day. Of course, finding somewhere to live will be your primary consideration, but, once you’ve found your student accommodation Bolton can be explored to the full!

There are plenty of big supermarkets in and around Bolton, and, if you want to make your money stretch further, you’ll learn to shop wisely and take advantage of offers and discounts from some of the bigger stores. Tesco, Farm Foods, Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi will be ideal for regular shopping trips and stocking up on freezer foods helps ensure you will never go hungry, even if you run out of ready cash. Shopping at smaller, local shops or grocery stores can be convenient, but you won’t find these shops provide the choice or discounts available from larger stores.

Some of the popular pubs in Bolton include the Dragonfly, which has special offers on spirits at £3 for a double on Wednesday nights. It also hosts a popular quiz night on Sundays. Yates’s on Bradshawgate often send promotional staff around campus giving out tokens for cheaper drinks. Yates’s also offer bargain meals which are great for hungry students; different £3.25 special meals are available daily. The Blind Tiger on Nelson Street is popular with students, as it offers live music and a student Rawkus Club night every Wednesday with alternative music and cheap offers on drinks before 11pm.

Bolton is only 15 minutes away from the centre of Manchester, and it’s easy to get to Manchester using public transport, so you can enjoy nights out in the city on a regular basis. Flash Saturdays at the Milton Club and student nights at the Tiger Tiger club are popular venues with students living in the Bolton area.

You’re sure to find heaps of ways to cut costs when you live in Bolton, as the town caters to the student lifestyle and the people are really friendly too.

How to Make Your Kids Comfortable When Visiting the Dentist

Visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience, especially for children. Here are a few ways on how to make your kids feel more comfortable when visiting the dentist.

What to Expect

If your child has never been to the dentist, they will have no idea on what to expect for their appointment. Taking the time to explain to your child where they are going, why they are going and what time the appointment is can help your child feel more in control and get a better understanding and what is going to happen. The more information your child has, the more confident they will feel when going for their dental appointment.

Be Honest

If your child needs dental work, it is important to be honest and explain to your child the type of treatment they will need. Choosing the right words can have a significant impact on how your child reacts, so make sure you describe the process in an easy to digest and non-threatening manner, so your child can feel at ease and fully understand why they must get treatment.

The Good Points

For your child to place trust in the dentist, make sure that you speak positively about them. Projecting dentists in a positive light can help your child do the same and help eliminate any fears or worries that they might have. Letting your child know the importance of dentists and how they are the good guys in maintaining healthy teeth can be incredibly beneficial and ensure that the experience runs as smoothly as possible. If you are interested in going into the dental profession, websites like best-dentalassistantschools.com can give you more clarification on the skills and requirements needed to join.

Make It Fun

Going into an unfamiliar environment can cause distress to your child, so make sure to describe all the good points of the dentist. Some dental practices have children’s toys and games in the waiting room so make sure to let your child know so they can have something to look forward to. Also, having a fun dentist can help your child enjoy the overall experience.

Being Present

The most important way on helping your child feel safe and secure in the dental room is by being with them. Your presence can have a massive difference in how your child reacts at the dentist so make sure to be on hand and stay calm to help your child feel more relaxed. The experience can be incredibly stressful so being there to help reassure and give your child the guidance they need can help improve the overall experience.

If you would like more information on how to make you kids feel more comfortable when visiting the dentist, it can be beneficial to ring up your dental practice and let them know your worries and concerns, so they are able to act in the right manner when your child has their appointment. There are also online forums where parents can engage with one another to get a better understanding and to ensure your child has a pleasant dental experience.

Making Healthier Drink Choices Every Day

Collaboration with Amanda G.

Many of us watch what we eat and try to follow a healthy diet. A lot of emphasis is put on the foods that we consume, but the beverages we drink are equally important. In some cases, it’s actually more important to your health than food.

Today, many drinks contain sugars, additives and alcohol that are just as unhealthy as junk food. Worse still is the fact that these beverages contain little to no nutritional value and can become addictive.

The good news is cleaning up what you drink is often easier than adjusting what you eat. Follow the tips below to clear out the toxins that build up from beverages.

Eliminate Alcohol

One of the most harmful drinks people consume today is alcoholic beverages. Alcohol, also known as ethanol, is extremely harmful to the body when it isn’t consumed in moderation. The problem is twofold. Alcohol impairs the body in many ways from stretching heart muscles to liver inflammation to increasing the risk of some cancers. Alcohol is also highly addictive for some people, which makes matters much worse.

Because the effects of alcohol can build over time, even drinking moderately can take a toll on your health. If you overindulge on a daily basis it’s time to consider outside assistance. Joining a support group like AA or getting treatment at an alcohol detox center may be needed to address addiction concerns.

Drink a Lot More Water

The next best thing you can do for your body is to drink a lot more water. Some research estimates that as many as 75% of adults in the U.S. are chronically dehydrated. The vast majority of people don’t get the recommended daily water intake (91 ounces for women and 125 ounces for men). CDC reports suggest that on average adults only consume 39 ounces of water a day.

Beyond provided vital hydration for bodily functions, water also has no calories and can help with weight management. If you’re on the go throughout the day make sure to bring along a refillable water bottle so you can stay hydrated.

Drink Your Coffee Black 

There are many health benefits of drinking coffee as long as you limit it to one or two cups a day. Coffee is high in powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols, hydrocinnamic acids and vitamin B which helps to fight disease. It’s also been shown to boost mood, help burn fat and ward off type 2 diabetes.

A cup of java becomes less healthy the more you add to it. Spoonfuls of sugar and rich cream add a ton of calories and fat. All the unhealthy additives negate the benefits of the coffee itself.

Start Drinking Tea

You can get the antioxidants of coffee without the caffeine by drinking teas. In many of the world’s healthiest countries and cultures, tea is a mainstay of peoples’ daily diet. Some research suggests drinking tea regularly can extend your life and even change your genes.

Hot or cold, tea is a healthy drink that keeps you hydrated and healthy. But like coffee, it’s best to drink tea straight without added sugar. If you want to burn more fat opt for green tea. The catechins in green tea have been shown to increase fat burn and improve muscle endurance.

Stop Drinking Soda

There’s a reason schools are beginning to do away with soda machines. Soda drinks contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which is why people can become addicted to their daily pop. Many parents are surprised to discover that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) like soda are the main source of added sugars in our daily diets.

The biggest problem associated with sugary sodas is obesity. Excess weight gain leads to a number of other health issues, including type 2 diabetes and a higher risk of some cancers.

And diet soda isn’t a good alternative. Diet soda may not have calories, but it also provides no nutrients. Research has linked regular artificial sweetener consumption to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, dementia and high blood pressure. Ironically, people who consume a lot of diet drinks have also been shown to have a higher risk of obesity.

We’re all familiar with the old adage “you are what you eat,” it seems we should add drink to that as well.

3 Reasons Why A Lab Makes An Amazing Family Pet

 

Now that you and the kids are ready to add a four-legged creature to your family, it’s time to think about breeds. Between chihuahuas, hounds, and poodles, there are a lot of options, but no breed matches the Labrador Retriever. As the most popular dog in the US, they’re a common addition to homes all over the country. This kind, smart, and lovable breed hits all the buttons when it comes to your fur baby. Here are just five reasons why your family should adopt a Lab.

They’re great with kids and other dogs

With small children in the house, you can’t afford to take in a volatile breed. A Lab is known for being patient, gentle, and kind, making it perfect for those families with children or other pets in the home. They’re a fun-loving breed that clearly sees family members as part of their pack, and they’ll do whatever it takes to protect those they consider theirs. They also know how to shake loose, often turning a little silly when they’re having fun. They’re a great addition to playtime, often matching your kids’ enthusiasm.

They’re easily groomed

Your kids are focused on how the dog will join them on adventures. Your priorities lie elsewhere: namely how much mess they’ll add to the household. Few breeds can claim they don’t shed, so don’t let anyone dupe you by claiming Labs won’t leave behind some fur. They will. Luckily, they only tend to lose a lot of their short double coat during the summer months — hopefully, a time they spend outdoors with your kids. Since they have short hair, they don’t require a lot of grooming like other breeds. A simple bath when they’re feeling grimy is as complicated as it gets. Regular brushing will also limit the mess.

They’re easily trained

Though not as clever as a herding breed, Labs aren’t dumb by any means. The Labrador is one of the most popular breeds acting as service dogs, amounting to roughly 70 percent of all dog guides in America. They can be quite clever when given the time and attention they need to learn. You can enroll them in training camps by checking out your local pet store. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, you can check out online guides or head to your local library for dog training books.

With so many reasons why you should add a Lab to your growing family, it’s easy to jump right in and adopt your very first pet. But before you surprise everyone with a furry family member, you need to think about the practical side of having a pet.

Make a budget

After paying for Fido’s adoption fees, all the other pet accoutrements don’t seem too expensive. But don’t underestimate how quickly food, toys, and grooming products add up. Before you know it, your newest member of the family can be the costliest one. Making a budget is a great way to realize how much you can afford to spoiling your furry friend. Sit down with a pen and paper to tally your income and compare it to your expenses. This exercise lets you know how much leftover cash you have to spend.

Start an emergency fund

Though Labs are considered a healthy breed with few medical concerns, they will have to go to the vet every once in awhile. Knowing this, you should put away a small amount of cash each week into a dedicated emergency fund for your dog. Something as small as $10 each week is a great way to start this fund.  It will take a while to grow, but even the most modest contributions will eventually mature into something that can help pay for a round of antibiotics or a necessary blood panel. If Fido ends up needing care early on in his time with your family, you can use loans to your benefit and supplement your emergency fund that way. When you look for these cash loans online, you can get the cash you need in as little as one business day, making it an ideal form of assistance when your vet bill needs immediate payment.

Take a moment to consider what you need to do to provide the best care for your pet. When your family can meet all your dog’s needs, Fido can start meeting yours. Add a happy Labrador Retriever to the home and welcome a loyal, fun-loving four-legged friend to the family. They’re the perfect breed for young families.

5 Practical Ways to Start Caring for Your Health

 

Nothing is more important than your health. It is, however, your responsibility to care for both their mind and body to enjoy a long, healthy, and happy lifestyle. If you want to live your life to the full every year, find out how to care for your health.

  1. Embrace a Healthier Lifestyle

Top of your list should be to embrace a healthier lifestyle. This means adopting a well-balanced, nutritious diet, so you can fill your body with essential vitamins and minerals. Eat between three to five servings of fruit and vegetables per day and enjoy between five to seven ounces of either meat or beans. You should also aim to experience a minimum of 20 minutes of physical activity per day to maintain a healthy weight, improve your heart and lung health, and increase flexibility.

  1. Quit Smoking

There is nothing more harmful to your health than traditional cigarettes, which can increase the likelihood of developing various health conditions, such as heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, or a stroke. You must therefore aim to quit smoking to add many years onto your life. You should also avoid environments where you might be exposed to second-hand smoke.

  1. Book Regular Medical Checkups

Medical checkups will allow you to learn more about your physical health, as a doctor can perform various blood tests to identify if you have an underlying health issue, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, asthma, plus more.

It’s also essential to visit your doctor if you feel unwell or believe you are living with a medical condition, so they can provide an immediate diagnosis and treatment option, so you can make a quick recovery. It’s important to expect the finest healthcare standards from your doctor, and you should contact Minton Morrill solicitors if you believe you or a loved one is a victim of medical negligence. No one should have to live with the consequences of living with a medical condition that could have been prevented by adequate healthcare.

  1. Cut Back on Alcohol Consumption

While the occasional glass of alcohol can positively impact your health, excessive drinking can negatively affect your vital organs, regardless of your age. For example, it can lead to inflammation of the liver, hepatitis, heart disease, and obesity. Alcohol can also increase a person’s blood pressure, which can add strain onto their heart, as their body will need to work harder to pump oxygenated blood to both their cells and tissues. Being dependent on alcohol can also throw your social life out of balance, impacting friends, family and your place of work. It is therefore imperative to reduce or cut out alcohol consumption.

  1. Care for Your Mental Health

In addition to caring for your physical wellbeing, you must also care for your mental health, too. Living with depression, anxiety or another mental health disorder can be debilitating, which is why you must speak to a doctor to receive a diagnosis, so you can move forward with your life. It’s not a weakness to admit you need help, so seek medical help and confide in a loved one or counsellor for emotional support. It might also be helpful to take a well-earned break, meditate, and distance yourself from negative people.

10 Things to Stock In Your Home in Case of Emergency

 

From shattering earthquakes, violent hurricanes to white-out snow storms, mother nature isn’t always a nurturing parent to humankind. While it’s impossible to avoid natural disasters and other catastrophes, it is possible to be better prepared for them. We’ve compiled a list of 10 items to keep in your house for when emergency strikes.

LifeStraw Universal

In an emergency, securing access to clean and drinkable water is one of the most important things you can do.  The LifeStraw Universal is a water filter that can remove waterborne bacteria and protozoa from up to 1,000 liters of water, and can screw right on to your favorite water bottle.

Mountain House Just In Case… 14 Day Emergency Food Supply

For obvious reasons, food is a necessity whether it’s an emergency or not. Mountain House’s Just In Case… 14 Day Emergency Food Supply includes 43 packets of freeze dried food that will satisfy the caloric needs of one person for two weeks. Menu items include meals like breakfast skillets, beef stew, and rice and chicken.

MSR Pocket Rocket 2

Freeze dried or canned food only gets you so far without a stove. The MSR Pocket Rocket 2, a popular item for backpackers, can boil a liter of water in just 3.5 minutes, and can be used for emergency cooking needs.

Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge USB Rechargeable Lantern

Storms and natural disasters can often lead to a power outage. The Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge USB Rechargeable Lantern can provide light for up to 170 hours off of one charge.

Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium Portable Power Station

It’s not just lights that are affected when there’s a power outage. Keep radios, phones, and even microwaves and fridges working with the Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium Portable Power Station. This gasoline free and portable power station can be used as emergency power or as an emergency solar backup.

The Selk’Bag 5G Original

You may think you look silly, but you’ll be the one getting the last laugh when your “bed” can follow you wherever you go. The Selk’ Bag 5G Original is a sleeping bag that that can be worn and is designed for mobility and comfort. With a temperature rating of 37 F, it can also keep you warm in near freezing weather.

Zippo Windproof Lighter

Fire can be used in many ways during an emergency, like cooking, boiling water and even for warmth. The Zippo Windproof lighter is refillable and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Gerber Diesel Multi-plier

Whether you need a saw, wire cutter or bottle opener, the Gerber Diesel Multi-plier is your one stop shop for it all.  It includes 15 different stainless steel tools that can be opened with a flick of the wrist. Each tool also locks into place for safety and security.

MFASCO First Aid Kit for Home

It’s always a good idea to have a First Aid Kit in the case of an emergency. The MFASCO First Aid Kit for Home is compact enough to transport, while still including many necessities to treat injuries.

Alert Works EAR-10 Emergency Alert Weather Radio

The best way to be prepared for emergencies is to have an idea of what kind of disasters could be heading your way. The Alert Works Ear-10 Emergency Alert Weather Radio will warn you before natural or civil emergencies hit.

The best family friendly hotels and activities in Las Vegas

 

Vegas is the land of glitz and glamour, the party city of all party cities, so when we think of Las Vegas, the term ‘family friendly’ doesn’t quite leap into our minds, but when you know where to look, it has so much to offer families with little ones. From amazing hotels, with spectacular shows, theme parks, water parks to all the family friend eateries you could imagine, this town has it all. Mum and Dad can indulge in some gambling, or if you are too tired after all the fun of a big Vegas Day out, head online and hedge your bets and play online slot games on sites like Slots Baby–super casino.

The best family hotels in Las Vegas

  1. Circus Circus: This iconic Vegas hotel with the fun circus theme has been wowing families for many years. It offers the option of bringing your RV, and parking in the RV park on site its that’s your favourite way to travel, otherwise they have a range of rooms at fantastic prices.

Entertainment: Circus Circus will have your kids going wild for the Adventuredomes theme park. They also have free circus performances daily with carnival games and prices for the little ones to enjoy. There are also lots of shops and eateries within the resort.

  1. The Mirage: The Mirage is the ultimate family friendly Vegas hotel, focusing less on the party scene and more on wholesome fun and memories. It caters to families on a budget, as well as having villas available for the big spenders!

Entertainment: The Mirage has endless ways to entertain the kids, with nightly shows, where the hotel’s volcano erupts, or the Secret Garden and Dolphin habitat where they can see their favourite animals. There are cafes and restaurants which cater specifically to kidsand the shows stay away from the raunchier side of Vegas

  1. Mandalay Bay: On the south end of the strip sits the fabulous Mandalay Bay, and like nearly every Vegas hotel, it has a range of prices to suit nearly every budget. This hotel’s main attraction is the abundance of family friendly activities.

Entertainment:The pool area of Mandalay Bay is fantastic for families, consisting of a quarter mile of lazy river, a massive wave pool and an actual beach area! The aquarium is sure to be a firm favourite with the kids, and Shark Reef contains 15 species of shark and over 2,00 other fish including stingrays and piranhas.

Vegas clearly has so much to offer for families and each hotel has its own unique selling point for parents to consider but these three hotels have a great mixture of fun for both mum and dad and the kids. If you want to brush up on your gambling skills before heading for the big city, why not hit the internet and try out some online slot games and try your luck, you may even win some funds for your Vegas trip!

How To Start Potty Training Your Toddler

 

7 Steps to Potty Training Success

Potty training your toddler can seem like a daunting task, but with patience and perseverance you can help your child reach this key milestone.

Learning how to use the potty is a key milestone in your child’s life, but starting potty training can seem a little bit daunting. We’ve put together some tips to help guide you through the process, and with some perseverance and patience, you’ll soon have your child leaving nappies behind.

Know the signs

There are no hard and fast rules about when you should begin potty training. The majority of parents start between the ages of two and two and a half, but some children are ready much earlier while others may take a little longer to get to this stage.

There are however some key signs to watch out for. These include your child:

  • recognising when they’re passing urine and possibly telling you that they’re doing it;
  • knowing when they have a wet or dirty nappy;
  • showing signs that they need to pee, such as going to a quiet corner or fidgeting;
  • going to the toilet only once an hour or less frequently;
  • knowing that they need to pee and telling you in advance;
  • being able to follow instructions and sit on the potty or toilet.

The more of these signs your child displays, the quicker and easier potty training is likely to be. You should also try to avoid potty training during times of disruption or changes to routine, as consistency is the key to success.

Be prepared

Before beginning potty training it’s important to be prepared, and there are a number of key tools that will help to make the process easier.

A potty is of course essential – it helps to have one in your main room and in your bathroom, as well as a portable one for when you’re out and about. Purchasing a step stool to help your child reach the sink and, eventually, the toilet, is also a useful purchase.

Disposable ‘pull-up’ potty training nappies can come in really handy, particularly in the early days of potty training. However, these should just be a transitionary step, so also involve your child in buying some ‘big girl ‘or ‘big boy’ pants to help the potty training process seem special and exciting.

Do the groundwork

It’s important to lay the groundwork and get your child used to the idea before you begin potty training. In the run up to potty training, start changing your child’s nappy in the bathroom so that they get used to it as a place where people go to the toilet. As you change their nappy, explain what you’re doing and why so that they start to understand the meaning of a wet or dirty nappy.

It’s also a good idea to leave a potty where your child can see it and, if they’re happy to, encouraging them to sit on it for a minute or two when you change their nappy. Make sure you explain what the potty is for so they don’t just think it’s a fun new toy!

Getting started

The best way to start potty training is to make sitting on the potty a natural part of everyday life for your little one, so it’s important to keep a potty within easy reach. When your child shows signs of needing to wee, encourage them to use the potty, as well as encouraging them to sit on the potty after meals. If you know your child regularly goes to the toilet at the same time each day, try leaving their nappy off and suggesting they go on the potty – but don’t push it if they seem upset by the idea.

One useful tip is to dress your toddler in clothes that are quick and easy to change, avoiding items such as tights or clothes with lots of fiddly buttons. Some parents prefer to start potty training in the summer when children naturally wear fewer clothes.

Make it fun

A lot of children need some encouragement to start using the potty, so making the process fun can help to give them that extra incentive. For example, you could stack a few toys or books next to the potty so that they have something to occupy them while they sit on it. Some parents even make up a special potty song that they sing each time their child sits on the potty or toilet.

It’s also important to reward success. You could buy your little one a small toy when they hit certain milestones, but making a chart and awarding them stickers, or even just showering them with plenty of praise, can be equally effective. On the flip side, try not to act negatively if your little one has an accident. Just remain calm and let them know that accidents happen.

Involve others

Unless you are your child’s only caregiver, it is important to involve others in your potty training journey. As we’ve mentioned, consistency of routine is vital when it comes to potty training, so be sure to keep grandparents and other family members in the loop, along with your childminder or nursery if applicable. An outstanding nursery should be happy to encourage and support your child’s potty training routine in your absence, so don’t be afraid to let them know how they can help.

Be patient

Last but certainly not least, you need to be patient. Potty training can be a stressful process for children and parents alike, and it’s easy to lose your cool when your little one has his fifth accident of the day. But by remaining calm and positive, and praising progress, you can help guide your little one to potty training success.