Let your child participate

When your child is 1-2 years old, it is time, as for all children, to start sitting on the pottie or toilet and to perform CIC in this sitting position. It is easier to empty the bladder if you are seated upright. It is also easier for your child to follow and participate in the procedure if he/she is seated upright and can see what is happening. Take advantage of your child's natural curiosity. Let your child participate by letting him/her fetch the catheter, open the catheter bag or maybe even pull the catheter out after the bladder has been emptied.

Your child needs to take responsibility

Let your child participate

Having a doll with a "pee-pee" hole, where your child can practice inserting a catheter increases your child's nimbleness in handling a slippery catheter. CIC becomes natural for your child if he/she is allowed to participate from as early an age as possible. This contributes to its self-esteem, reinforces his/her ego and contributes to greater independence later on in life. 

You should give your child responsibility for some stage of the CIC process, and as your child grows more secure and nimble, you should pass on more and more responsibility.

The delegated task should lie within your child's ability, but can also gradually be a challenge that teaches your child to trust itself and his/her ability to cope with challenges.