It can be hard to figure out when it is the right time to potty train your
child. It is really a decision that can only be made by the child. For some
reason, today's parents just don't seem to want to take the time to wait for
their child to be ready to potty train and instead force them into doing it
early. I hate to admit it, but that's how I felt as well. Maybe it's just this
fast paced society we now live in that's contributing to this feeling of extreme
urgency, but either way, this is a real problem that can cause all sorts of
problems for the child if he or she isn't ready to begin the process.
Most children are ready to begin potty training when they are between the ages
of 18 and 24 months. But that is not some "set in stone" rule. You will know
when they are ready because the signs will be there. These are the signs to look
for:
• Expresses an interest in using the toilet
• Tries to imitate other family members using the potty
• Is able to tell you that they need to go potty or telling you they went
already
• Is able to pull their pants up and down by himself
• Expresses irritation when diapers are wet and stays dry for about two hours at
a time
• Expresses an interest in big kid underwear
When your child shows that they are ready for potty training, it's time for you
to begin introducing him or her to the potty. You need to choose a comfortable
potty chair that will make potty training fun for your child and is also easy
for you to clean. If you are not sure which chairs your child will like, bring
him with you when you choose it.
You can introduce the idea of potty training by reading a potty training bedtime
story at night or by watching a potty training DVD together. You can also teach
your child the steps to going potty on your own which include:
• Taking underwear off
• Sitting down
• Actually going to the bathroom
• Wiping themselves
• Flushing
• Washing your hands afterwards.
Quick tips: Give your child a bit more liquids so that you can increase potty
training chances. This will help your child to build muscle memory and help your
child potty train quickly. Take your child to the potty every thirty minutes and
on time. Have your child sit for a couple of minutes and read a book together
while he's still on the potty. Turn on the faucet or place your child's feet in
warm water to encourage urination. Don't you remember that sleep over trick that
you pulled on your friends? It will work on baby too!
Just remember to relax and not stress so much over this whole potty training
thing. It will happen soon enough.
About the author: Jordan Swanson
is a child psychology researcher and a mother of two children. She has been
helping parents potty train their children at
http://www.pottytrainnow.com
