Having trouble potty training your toddler? As with anything else, some toddlers have a harder time potty training than others. Children can be very stubborn and, for the most part, when they do decide to use the potty it is something they can control.

It is unfair to the toddler and it will be very frustrating for both of you if you start potty training before your child is ready. Don’t rely on the age of your sister’s child, her friend’s child, or a child at church for potty training. All children reach milestones at different times, and that’s perfectly normal. Children’s ages for toilet training range from 18 months to 3 years, sometimes a little older. When you recognize that your child knows when he’s about to go potty in his diaper, and likes to hide behind a chair to do so, he’s probably close to being potty-trained. Other signs are when they tell him that she is changing or trying to take away dirty diapers.

Once you’ve determined that your child is ready, you need to decide whether to potty train them on a toddler or their regular toilet. The choice is up to you and how your child will do best. You can get seats to put on the toilet to make it more comfortable for a small child as well as a step for easy access. If you choose to be anything for potty training, consider taking your toddler with you to help you choose it.

While possible, it is rare for a toddler to be accident-free after potty training begins. Don’t get upset and consider asking what happened. Often young children simply don’t want to stop what they are doing to go to the bathroom and should know that is not acceptable. My son did this for years. It’s also best to potty train him when there’s not much going on at home; For example, potty training a toddler with the arrival of a newborn will be difficult.

Provide a simple reward system for using the potty. Stickers on a calendar for every day they go without an accident, a piece of candy every time they successfully use the potty, or a special day at the park after an accident-free week are a few examples. Always remember to encourage your child frequently, love and praise go a long way for a toddler and any child.