Toilet training is a big step for any child. And like any big step it can take time and effort to succeed, so it’s best to approach the process with patience. Most children start showing signs that they’re ready to start potty training anywhere between 18 and 24 months, notes the experts at The Children’s Hospital. However, this doesn’t mean that all children can start around this age. The Mayo Clinic explains that the success of potty training actually centers on emotional and physical readiness. Your child may not be prepared to use a potty chair or toilet until he’s over the age of two.
Look for Readiness Indicators
The Children’s Hospital recommends that you look for readiness indicators before you begin toilet training your child. This includes the ability to follow simple instructions, control the muscles used for toileting and maintain a dry diaper for two hours or more. Other good indicators of readiness are the comprehension of “buzz” words relating to the process and actually verbalizing the need to go. You may also notice your child pausing during activities to go to the bathroom or cupping her diaper after she’s gone.
Ready the Potty Chair
This may seem like an obvious step to potty training, but this not only means placing a potty chair in the bathroom, but also familiarizing your child with the object itself, advises the Mayo Clinic. Having your child sit on the potty chair, telling him what it’s used for or even emptying the contents of a diaper into the basin of the chair can all help with the training process. Even allowing your child to observe a parent of the same sex going to the bathroom can encourage use.
Establish a Schedule
In an ideal world, children would go to the bathroom at the same time every day, making potty training much easier. But to help with the process, consider setting up a schedule where your child sits on the toilet for a few minutes a number of times during the day, states the Mayo Clinic. The Children’s Hospital says it’s also a good idea to use the potty chair 15 to 30 minutes after a meal. This doesn’t mean your child must go at these scheduled times. Just have her try and praise her whether or not she actually does anything. That being said, it’s best not to make your child sit on the toilet if she doesn’t want to.
Stop Everything
As soon as your child indicates he has to use the bathroom, stop what you’re doing and take him to the toilet. Some children vocalize the need while others may fidget or squirm. Facial cues can sometimes help tell you that it’s time, asserts the American Academy of Family Physicians. If you make it in time, praise your child. If you don’t, tell him it’s okay and that you’ll try again the next time he has to go.
Give Incentives
Both the Mayo Clinic and The Children’s Hospital recommend giving incentives. Incentives are as simple as stickers, stories or even small toys. Each time your child successfully uses the potty chair, give her the agreed upon incentive.
Understand That Accidents Happen
As you and your child work on potty training, it’s vital to remind all involved that accidents happen. Don’t get frustrated or punish your child just because he gets caught up in something and doesn’t make it to the bathroom.
Get Everyone on the Same Page
While potty training, consistency is important, so make sure that everyone taking care of the child knows the routine, including husbands, wives, siblings, daycare providers, babysitters and grandparents, explains The Children’s Hospital.
About this Author
Dana George has been a freelance writer since 2005, penning numerous articles, web content and marketing collateral for both print and online. His articles have appeared in Healthy Knowledge magazine, Minneapolis Metro Mix, LIVESTRONG and Meefers. His writing credits include Prime Arthur, A Good Ten Acres and Truth in History.
