| One big event in your child’s development and | | | | want to consider starting the process. |
| life is potty training. When children are physically and | | | | If you child does not display any of these common |
| emotionally ready, normally between two and three | | | | behaviors, you should wait to potty train your child. |
| years of age, you may introduce this new skill. | | | | |
| While all children grow and develop at different rates, | | | | Helpful Steps in Potty Training |
| it is important for you to make an informed decision | | | | Begin by reading potty books and helping your child |
| regarding the right moment for your child to potty | | | | recognize when a urinary or bowel movement is |
| train. | | | | occurring. Then purchase training underwear for |
| | | | your child. These beginning steps will help pave the |
| Keys to Potty Training | | | | way when you begin potty training. |
| The most important things to stress and remember | | | | You should show your child how to use the |
| with potty training are patience and time. For most | | | | bathroom. Accompany your child to the bathroom, |
| children, it will be the equivalent to a full-time job in | | | | teach your child how to wipe, and praise their |
| order to learn how to use the toilet. However, for | | | | successes. Also, do not forget to teach them |
| some children, learning to use the potty isn’t as | | | | related items, such as proper hand washing technique. |
| important as learning to climb, run, and talk. Those | | | | |
| who resist potty training may take as long as three | | | | Guidelines and Routine Tips |
| to six months to master the skills needed. | | | | When you begin potty training a protective covering |
| | | | between the sheets and mattress will help your child |
| Indicators for Potty Training Readiness | | | | prior to gaining full control. Also, it is important not |
| There are many indicators that let you know when | | | | to potty train your child during another major change |
| your child is ready for potty training. These | | | | in your child’s life; for instance, you should not |
| indicators include following simple directions, remaining | | | | potty train your child when planning to relocate, |
| dry for at least two hours at a time and after a nap, | | | | expecting a new baby, or transitioning from a crib to |
| having predictable bowel movements, or discomfort | | | | bed. |
| with soiled or wet diapers. | | | | A routine is also important: plan to devote several |
| Also, some verbal indicators exist for potty training | | | | days to potty training and realize that the process |
| readiness: asking to use the potty, asking to wear | | | | may take as much as three to four weeks. Place |
| underwear, and expressing an oncoming urinary or | | | | your child on the potty for four to five minutes right |
| bowel movement. Once you begin to see behaviors | | | | after meals and before and after napping. |
| that indicate a readiness to potty train, you may | | | | |