‘Persevere... children will get it in 3 months’

CHILDCARE expert Angela Spencer, author of Babyopathy: Baby Care The Natural Way, says:

‘Physical development is the precursor to cognitive development, and as potty-training is a physical skill I fear this regression could slow the rate at which they learn vital skills.

‘Parents mean well but child-led potty-training doesn’t do themselves or their children any favours. Children need to be encouraged how to use the toilet. Take your child to the lavatory with you, encourage their curiosity, and praise successful attempts.

‘Accidents are inevitable, and you and your child may become frustrated, but with perseverance I believe every healthy child can be potty-trained within three months, by the age of two-and-a-half.

‘I worry that if parents continue to delay this process, their children’s wellbeing could be jeopardised.’