It can be difficult to determine when is the right time to potty train your child. It really is a decision that can only be made by the child. For whatever 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 force them to do so early instead. I hate to admit it, but that’s how I felt too. Maybe it’s just this fast-paced society we live in now that is contributing to this feeling of extreme urgency, but either way, this is a real problem that can cause all kinds of problems for the child if he or she isn’t ready. to start the process.
Most children are ready to start potty training when they are 18 to 24 months old. But that is not a rule “engraved in stone”. You will know when they are ready because the signs will be there. These are the signs to look for:
o Expresses interest in using the bathroom
o Attempts to imitate other family members using the potty
o You can tell him that he needs to go to the bathroom or tell him that he has already done so
o Is able to pull pants up and down on their own
o Expresses irritation when diapers are wet and remains dry for approximately two hours at a time
o Expresses interest in big boy underwear
When your child shows that he is ready for potty training, it is time for you to begin potty training. You should choose a comfortable potty chair that makes potty training fun for your child and is easy for you to clean as well. If you’re not sure which chairs your child will like, bring it with you when she chooses it.
You can introduce the idea of potty training by reading a potty training story at night or watching a potty training DVD together. You can also teach your child potty training steps on her own, including:
o Remove underwear
or sit
o Actually goes to the bathroom
or clean up
or Rinse
o Wash your hands afterwards.
Quick Tips: Give your child a little more fluid so you can increase the chances of potty training. This will help your child develop muscle memory and help them learn to go to the bathroom quickly. Take your child to the bathroom every thirty minutes and on time. Have your child sit for a couple of minutes and read a book together while he is still on the potty. Turn on the faucet or put your child’s feet in warm water to encourage urination. Don’t you remember that pajama trick you pulled on your friends? It will work on the baby too!
Just remember to relax and not get so stressed about this whole potty training thing. It will happen soon enough.