When you child's bladder and bowels have grown large enough to store waste, and he develops enough muscle control to hold waste for awhile, then it is time for potty training. He is usually ready by two years old.
You will detect the signs when you child is ready:
- They show interest in the bathroom, and may imitate others going to the bathroom.
- They ask to be changed.
- They have more regular bowel movements, and stay dry longer.
Techniques for Potty Training:
- Get a portable potty chair.
- Show your child how to use the toilet. This is a new experience, and might cause some anxiety.
- Encourage the child to let you know when he needs to use the bathroom. Communication is most important to the process.
- Dress the child in clothes that are easy to take down.
- Be consistent with your training. Coordinate between both parents and baby sitter if you have one. The language and techniques must be uniform and steadily enforced.
- Spend a few full days with your child at first to get him accustomed to the potty process. Be available if the child need reassurance or help.
- Be positive and supportive. Treat potty training like fun and, a natural part of growing up.
- Don't show displeasure if the child fails. That will only add to the pressure.
- Don't put the child in the position of no alternative to using the diaper. Take the potty with you when going out if you don't know where the closest toilet is.
- Don't potty train when there will be other changes, such as moving or a new baby in the family.
