| Potty training can be one of the most stressful times | | | | she does not voice this opinion. At this stage in life, |
| of life for both parents and toddlers, so to be sure | | | | your child is becoming more independent, and wants |
| that the process goes as smoothly as possible, | | | | to do things by his- or herself, such as getting |
| parents need to be sure that their children are ready | | | | dressed in the morning or cleaning up the play area. |
| for this big developmental step. | | | | Your child may also imitate adults or older children and |
| Most children begin potty training by the time they | | | | can follow simple commands. These things all show |
| are 2, but some start much earlier and some benefit | | | | that your child is mature enough to learn to use a |
| from waiting longer. The appropriate potty training | | | | toilet. |
| age varies from child to child, even among siblings, so | | | | Begin potty training after you notice that your child is |
| it is important for parents to have a grasp on specific | | | | having regular bowel movements. He or she also |
| signs that show a child is ready to move from using | | | | should be able to stay dry for a few hours at a time |
| diapers to using a potty. If you wait until your child is | | | | and during many nights and naps. Other signs that |
| ready, rather than forcing potty training on him or | | | | you child is ready to begin potty training include: |
| her at a certain age, you will find that your child will | | | | - Showing discomfort with a dirty diaper |
| begin consistently using the potty without much | | | | - Asking questions about bathroom use |
| hassle or too many accidents. | | | | - Telling an adult when he/she has a dirty diaper |
| Because potty training can be very daunting for | | | | - Wanting to begin potty training |
| many children, begin at a time in life that is not | | | | - Knowing when he or she needs to use a toilet |
| already stressful for your child. For example, if you | | | | Overall, the most important reason to wait for these |
| have recently had another child, your potty-training | | | | signs is that your child will more easily go through the |
| child, although he or she is fully capable of learning to | | | | potty training process if it is not forced. Potty training |
| use the toilet, may resist training techniques and | | | | can be frustrating otherwise. Some parents begin |
| prefer to have mommy or daddy change his or her | | | | with children as young as 18 months. Others wait until |
| diaper, just like the new baby. Other reasons to | | | | their toddler is closer to 3 years of age to even start |
| delay potty training include divorce, moving to a new | | | | the process. Don't be concerned if your child is not |
| house, adverse medical developments, or any other | | | | ready as soon as you think he or she should be. If |
| major changes in a child's life. So it's important to | | | | you have any questions about age-appropriate potty |
| take into account any possible reasons that could | | | | training techniques, your paediatrician should be able |
| make potty training a real battle. | | | | to help you. Start potty training when your child is |
| You will notice a number of signs that indicate your | | | | ready, and it should be smoother sailing than you |
| child's readiness to begin potty training, even if he or | | | | expect. |