Potty training 101

Potty training might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be. Parents often spend so much time worrying about potty training and deliberating over the best way to do it, but if the child is truly ready, there’s not much to worry about.

Don’t spend an inordinate amount of time on potty training; life goes on and one day your child will just do it.

As with other things, like eating, walking, talking and making friends, kids do things on their timetable. So no matter what, your child will eventually be potty trained (though some earlier or later than others).

Look for signs of readiness

Your child may start to show an increased interest in using the potty, feeling uncomfortable in dirty nappies, talking about the potty, dressing himself, going to the bathroom on some sort of schedule, following simple instructions and staying dry for longer periods of time.

These are some signs that your little one might be ready for the next step, He doesn’t need to demonstrate all of these behaviours. Just look to see if he shows an overall interest in and capability for using the potty.

Choose the right time carefully

Even if your child seems ready, experts say to avoid potty training during transitional or stressful times. For instance, if you’re moving, taking a vacation, adding a new baby to the family or going through a divorce, or if your child is starting a new school, postpone the potty training until about a month after the transitional time.

Children trying to learn this new skill will do best if they are relaxed and in their regular routine. Some parents prefer to get potty training over with as soon as possible. They go cold turkey and attempt to train in one weekend. When kids are truly ready, they often will just start going on the potty on their own.

When you do decide it’s time to start potty training, keep in mind that if you want your child to go to the bathroom independently, day or night, make sure she has transitioned out of the crib and into a big-kid bed.

Children need access to a potty 24/7 if they’re potty training, so they can reach it on their own when they need it. Of course, if you think you’re child isn’t ready for a bed, there’s no harm in keeping her in nappies at night for a while longer. Talk to your child’s doctor about the best time to potty train your child. The perfect time will range greatly according to the child, though most kids should be out of nappies during the day by age three.

Demonstrate the potty training methods

When you’re ready to start training, choose certain times in the day to take your child to the potty. You might want to have him sit on the potty every two hours, including first thing in the morning, before you leave the house and before naps and bedtime. Read him a book or play a game to make the time pass in a fun way. Then, whether or not he actually goes potty, instruct him to flush and wash his hands. Of course, always praise him for trying.

•  Information obtained from www.parents.com