subject: When is the Right Time to Potty Train? [print this page] When is the Right Time to Potty Train? When is the Right Time to Potty Train?
The question of when to begin potty training can be a cause of debate for many parents as it seems to be yet one more hurdle that must be jumped in the never ending race of bringing up a child. So how do you decide when the time is right and how do you handle it so that your child becomes confident, independent and socially secure when it comes to bathroom habits?
Too Early?
Research shows that introducing the potty too early and putting too much pressure on your child can actually cause stress and anxiety which can lead to accidents' and reluctance to leave diapers behind. Parents who put unnecessary pressure on a child to perform when the potty appears can sometimes face an added battle later on with their child feeling scared or stressed in the bathroom. Research has also shown that punishing a child who does not make it to the bathroom in time can be equally as damaging as the child then puts pressure on themselves and becomes ashamed and embarrassed- this can hamper social development and promote low-self esteem and feelings of inadequacy.
Signs that your Child is Ready
Knowing that potty training needs to be timed well and handled sensitively, most parents find that the actual task can be a little daunting. Most experts agree that all children are different and so it is difficult to set an age limit by which the diapers should go. Studies have shown that usually by the age of three, children are ready to begin the first steps towards flying solo without the diaper. Parents should look for signs that their child is ready, usually: disliking having a soiled diaper or becoming more aware that it is soiled and knowing the difference when they are clean; showing an interest in using the toilet or potty; asking to use the toilet or announcing that they need the toilet.
Useful Tips
So, if you feel that your child is ready, it's a good idea to invest in some of the following items to make the whole process a little easier: potties- if you have more than one bathroom it might be a good idea to have one upstairs and one downstairs so that when the time comes, you have one close to hand and ready to use; toilet trainer seat- these are seats that fit over the top of the toilet seat and allow children to use the toilet rather than the potty; pull up diapers for bedtime; waterproof bed sheets for nights without the diaper; sticker charts/ rewards- to praise children for progression in their potty training.
Most parents agree that potty training can be a stressful time. Children are able to pick up on parental stress and so it is useful to remember that your reactions to your child's achievements and possible set-backs are very important. Praise your child for using the potty and avoid negative reactions when an accident occurs. Keep potties around the house and encourage the use of them throughout the day. Take your child to choose some' grown-up' underpants and take care to use lots of praise when getting dressed. Above all, remember that potty training can take time. As long as you are going at your child's pace you are doing fine and it doesn't matter what age other children are learning to use the toilet- if you listen to your child, they will tell you when the time is right.
