5 Ways to Improve Your Child's Attention Span to Help with Toileting.

Toileting skills are an essential aspect of a child's development, and attention span plays a crucial role in acquiring these skills.
   

It may seem odd to some, but improving attention span can actually be beneficial in improving toilet skills.
This is because attention span plays a crucial role in our ability to focus on and complete tasks, and this includes tasks related to using the toilet.

Having a short attention span or being easily distracted can lead to a lack of focus during toilet time, which can result in a variety of issues such as incomplete or ineffective elimination, and  accidents.
On the other hand, being able to maintain focus and pay attention to the task at hand can help ensure that your child uses the toilet effectively, releasing a full wee or poo. ( what all parents want to prevent those toilet mistakes)

This blog shares 5 ways to improve your child's attention span and, consequently, their toileting skills.

1 Find out what interests your child.

  If you're struggling to find activities that capture your child's attention, take a cue from their interests.
Maybe they love animals, and you can plan a visit to the zoo or read books about different types of animals.

Or, perhaps they have a fascination with dinosaurs, and you can plan a DIY fossil hunt in your garden.
Not only will you be boosting their attention span, but you'll also have some fun and connection as well. 

2 Give instructions in attention-grabbing ways-add in the fun element.

 Getting your child's attention can be a challenge, but incorporating fun elements into instructions can make all the difference. 

Try using silly voices or singing an instruction.
Incorporating a game into tasks, such as a race to see who can get to the toilet first.

Children love to win as they feel powerful and it can reduce the power struggles.

Giving high fives. Draw round dads hand or grandads hand and place on the tiles next to toilet.
After toilet time little ones will love to "High Five Grandad."
Makes toilet time more appealing.

3 Enhance your child's self-esteem.

Boosting your child's self-esteem can have a significant impact on their attention span.
 
Try using positive reinforcement, focus on progress not perfection, to help build their confidence.
Plus, it's always a good idea to teach your child that it's okay to fail sometimes - after all, we all make mistakes, even parents. 

I advise parents to model failing at things when they are starting potty training so children don’t put lots of pressure on themselves. ( Especially perfectionist children)

4 Give your child choices.

 Giving your child choices can help them feel empowered and improve their attention span.

Check out my

PDF 12 TIPS AND TRICKS TO HELP STRONG WILLED CHILDREN WITH TOILETING.

Its full of phrases to use and fun choices to offer.

Just be sure to keep the choices limited to 2, or you might find yourself in a negotiation with your little one for hours or overwhelm them.

You are also teaching your child about decision-making skills. 

5 Limit television and video games.

As a parent, it can be tempting to use television or video games as a way to keep your child occupied while you take a breather.

However, limiting your child's screen time can do wonders for their attention span.
Plus, you'll be able to save money on electricity and potentially avoid hearing the same theme song from their favourite show over and over again. 

My little ones loved “Bananas in Pyjamas.” And the song drove me up the wall. ( An earworm I could not shake off. Just thinking about it as I am writing its now in my head)

Last point that is important and an effective way to help children develop attention span skills is establishing consistent rules, routines, and transitions.

By creating a predictable and structured environment, children are better able to manage their time, reduce stress, develop self-control, and stay focused on learning  new skills like toileting.

But remember all children are unique and so are their toileting journeys. 

"Creating routines is like putting together a puzzle – each piece may seem small, but together they create a beautiful picture."