Potty Training Age: When Should I Start?

In assessing the right potty training age, there are many signs to watch for to know that it is the right time. Being a parent, you know better what combination of signs are the best signals for you. The most practical ones are as follow:

* Regular bowel movements occurring on a predictable schedule.
* Expression of interest in using the toilet or potty seat.
* Expression of discomfort when the diaper is soiled.
* Interest in wearing underwear.
* Interest in the bathroom.
* Being able to maintain dryness for at least two hours during the day and after naps.

Not every sign of readiness needs to be present when deciding on the right potty training age. If your child already shows some signs, he might be ready and willing to start using the potty. Give it a try. Even if he isn't totally ready to begin, you can still get him a potty chair and have him play, sit and get used to it. Put it in the living room and let him watch TV near it. Then, whenever your child shows signs of needing to urinate or have a bowel movement, ask him if he wants to use the potty. Then take him to the chair and slowly instruct him what he needs to do.

Once your child has reached potty training age, you can take him into the bathroom and explain what you are doing. If possible, have your child go to the bathroom with the same gender parent, so your child can learn the right way of toileting. Explain to your him or her the process of bowel movement in simple and acceptable terms. Choose words that are neither offensive nor embarrassing. Make it child-friendly.

You can use "poop" to mean moving one's bowel and "pee" to mean urinating. Describe all toilet functions in a positive way.

It's best to back off if your child resists using the toilet or if he is afraid of the potty seat. You should consider changing your child's underwear into cotton fabric so that he or she will be more aware of being wet. Hugs, praise, or small rewards all help to reinforce the behavior.

If a mistake happens, quickly clean up and encourage the child to keep on trying. Changing to another activity without making a fuss is recommended. Continue toilet training even if you go on outings. Before long, your child will be potty trained, and you will have survived the process and both of you will have shared this delightful experience.

If your child is distressed during potty training, look at things from his or her point of view. For a child, the diaper is her comfort zone. Without it, she feels exposed and vulnerable. Consider also that the sight of his or her feces may frighten or even disgust her. She might be shocked to see that the material comes from her own body.

Furthermore, it is much easier for her to wear a diaper than to potty train.

Give your child specific reassurance. Hugs and cuddles during potty training help to boost her confidence. You will find that your child gradually begins to overcome her early anxieties once she grows comfortable with the training routine