How do you babysit a boy and girl who are still in the process of potty training?
– Doriana*
Learning to use the toilet is a developmental milestone for kids, so a babysitter needs to be aware of what's going on. The good news is it usually requires just a small adjustment in a child's routine.
Being consistent with the parent's potty training plan is the most important thing you can do. If the plan gets changed, the child will become confused and have more trouble staying on track. So you know how to communicate with the child, ask the parents which words they use to describe the process of toilet training and be sure to use the same words.
It's helpful to pay attention to which stage a child is in. Kids who are just starting to learn to use the toilet will probably still wear diapers much of the time. Kids who have been learning to use the toilet for a while might only wear diapers when they're sleeping or not wear them at all.
Here are some tips when it comes to potty training:
These tips apply to boys and girls — there's not much difference when it comes to teaching both to use the toilet. In fact, boys may feel more comfortable sitting to pee rather than standing at first, so ask the parents what they prefer.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD
Date Reviewed: 14-02-2013