Is Your Child Ready?

Think your child is ready for potty training? There are questions you need to ask yourself before proceeding.

Do they show an interest in the potty chair or toilet?
Can he/she understand a follow directions?
Does your child stay dry for 2 hours or more?
Can your child tell you when he/she needs to go?
Is your child uncomfortable and let you know when they are wet or soiled?
Can your child pull his/her pants down by themselves?

If you can answer yes to many of these questions then your child is probably ready to start training. Many reports on what age is appropriate for training state that the usual age is between 18-36 months. This doesn't hold true for all children and should be considered when making this decision. Some children develop slower and may not be ready. Doctors recommend not pushing the issue because starting too early will hinder the process and in the end it will take longer to train. If there are major changes taking place within your household then wait. Better to hold off until the change is made and the focus can be on the training. If you think your child is ready, be prepared.

Place a potty chair in the bathroom.
Schedule potty times throughout the day.
Pay attention to your child's mannerisms and expressions.
Keep babysitters, caregivers and others aware of your child's times and expressions.

In our opinion it is best to train using underwear, not diapers. Yes, you will have accidents and cleanups but in the long run, removing the diaper will allow the child to feel uncomfortable and therefore want to eliminate on the potty instead of their pants. Accidents should be treated lightly and without punishment. Potty training is another thing your child must conquer and it isn't accomplished overnight. At the same time, praise should be used when they do use the potty. Incentives can help in this instance such as, stickers, small treats etc... Making a big deal over what they just did is important! Get excited! Do a happy dance! Reading a "potty" book while your child sits is another thing they look forward to. It becomes less of a chore for the child and more fun. Nighttime training will usually take longer and protective coverings should be placed on the bed. This too will come when your child has more control over their bladder.

Last, but not least, don't push it. Forcing a child who has no interest or desire to train will undoubtedly cause distress. It serves no purpose to either the child or the parent to keep at it if it isn't working. Stop, take a deep breath and try again in a few months!