Erica’s World

Today parents are confused about when to potty train their child. It is important to note that parents shouldn’t begin the process because they are tired of the amount they spend on diapers each week or because they feel pressured to potty train because her daycare demands it. A child’s mastery of the toilet is not a parent’s bragging right. Like it or not, it is the child that must decide when he is ready to begin potty training. It all comes down to bladder control. When he or she can stay dry for period of time (i.e. the duration of a nap), she is ready to be potty trained. If she shows any signs that she is interested in using the toilet, you may begin the process. This usually occurs anywhere between 18 and 24 months. Some children may be ready even later. Parents beware: boys are slower to potty train. Also, a child’s temperament may determine his willingness to use the toilet. It is crucial that parents don’t pressure their child to begin this important milestone. Your child will only come to resent and fear the potty training process. And like my daughter’s pediatrician told me, “I never met a 25 year old who wasn’t potty trained!” Lastly, it’s important to keep everyone who is involved in potty training your child (Your Ex, Daycare workers, Grandma, ect.) on the same track. Great difference in potty training techniques and schedules can only confuse your child and delay any progress your child makes. Here are some tips to help you take on this important milestone in your child’s life.

Signs of Potty Training Willingness

Interested in using the potty

Imitates parent using the toilet

Expresses need use the potty

Can pull pants down by himself

Irritated when in a wet diaper for too long

Expresses interest in big kid underwear

Quick Tips for Parents

Give child plenty of liquids to increase chances of going potty

Take child to the potty every 30 minutes to establish a routine; read a book while child is on the potty

Next time when you are watching TV or while you are doing the dishes, have your child sit near you in his potty chair to increase his tolerance to sitting on a potty chair

Don’t set a time frame when your child will be potty trained. It takes time to be toilet trained. Some children are trained quicker than others

Other Useful Sites

www.mayoclinic.com/health/potty-training/CC00060

http://www.babycenter.com/0_toilet-training-boys_4684.bc

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/toilet/179.html