Make Potty Training Successful

Potty training can be both a daunting task and an exciting accomplishment for children and parents. Teaching your child to stay dry through the night requires more training and readiness on your child’s part. Teaching them to stay dry during the day is a task that can be started if he or she begins to show signs of readiness, usually between 18 and 24 months. In addition to signs of readiness, it’s important that your child is emotionally prepared for this task.

Getting Ready for Potty Training

Once started, the potty training process often takes between three and six months but may take more or less time for some children. Potty training is usually completed by the time your child is 27 months old. Girls often start the training process earlier than boys and also take less time to learn the process. Instead of using age as an indicator that your child is ready, look for other signs of readiness. Does your child:

• Follow instructions?
• Verbally express the need to use the potty?
• Show an interest in the potty?
• Keeping a diaper dry for two hours or more?

The more of these signs your child shows, the faster they will learn to use the toilet. There are two basic potty types:

• A standalone, toddler-size potty chair with a bowl that can be emptied into the toilet
• One that can be placed on top of the toilet seat. If you purchase this kind, you should also purchase a stepping stool so that your child can easily reach the seat.

Easy As Number 1, Number 2

Prepare your child for learning to use the potty by using these tips:

• Use words to express the act of using the potty, such as “pee,” “poop,” and “potty.”
• Ask your child to let you know when her diaper is wet or soiled.
• Ask your child, “are you going poop?” so that he or she can learn to recognize peeing and pooping.
• Do not make them sit on the toilet if they don’t want to. If they are ready to sit on the toilet, make sure simple clothes are worn so it’s easier to undress.
• For boys, teach them first how to use the potty sitting down before learning how to pee standing up.
• Your child learns by watching you. Show them how you sit on the toilet and explain what you’re doing.
• Establish a routine. Have your child sit on the potty after waking up or an hour after drinking a lot of fluids.
• Be sure to praise your child’s attempts to use the toilet, even if they aren’t successful at first. Don’t punish your child or show disappointment when accidents happen.

Your child will let you know when he or she is ready to start the potty training process. Remember to work with your child by staying calm during the training period. Accidents will happen which may be discouraging, but remind them that they are on the way to becoming a “big kid!” Related: Toddlers and Tablets Playtime Better Than Tube Time For Youngsters