Dos and Don’ts of Potty Training Your Child

Parents would agree that potty training is important, yet many are unsure of the right age to start potty training. For starters there is no specific age suitable for it. Not all children are the same and therefore the right age to be potty trained will also vary.

The training process should be gradual, following the rhythm of your child’s development. Knowing when your child is ready for potty training is very important. Some children learn sooner, but others may take longer to develop understanding. Girls tend to learn faster than boys, respectively at 29 and 31 months. But in the end, your child’s preparation is the most important factor.

Some signs that your child is ready for potty training are:

• Ability to walk to the bathroom or drop pants on their own when needed
• Develop understanding of words related to the bathroom and the ability to communicate when to go
• Ability to express through gestures/facial expressions when to urinate
• Show interest in the bathroom and how others use it.

Encourage your child, but never pressure him until he is ready to be trained. Patience is the key. Forcing your child will make him resist your effort and make it a bad deal. It often comes naturally to children, and sometimes it can take several weeks and many accidents before the task is finally completed.

Developing a habit is very important. It will also set your biological clock. Another thing to remember is that even when a child is potty trained and doesn’t need a diaper during the day, she may still need one at night to prevent accidental bedwetting.

You can now buy cute potty training potties, these are colorful and bright and sometimes come in the shape of your child’s favorite cartoon character, for your child. These are often the best and safest ways to make your child feel comfortable using it. Start by placing the potty in a convenient location, such as the living room. This way it will look less intimidating.

Put your child in training pants. These are specially made to help children learn about wet and dry and when it’s time to go.

Toilet training is a milestone for parents. Many parents worry if their children are not potty trained before their second birthday. But don’t panic if your child doesn’t pick it up faster. Try to take things slow and help your child learn through encouragement and support.