The days of dirty diapers are almost over! Or at least within sight, you hope. But now the real task begins and that’s potty training. Before you even contemplate potty training your toddler, first figure out if they show signs that they are ready.

Is Your Child Ready?

If you can answer yes to one or more of these questions, than your child may be ready to begin potty training.

• Does your child dislike having a dirty diaper on? Many toddlers start taking their dirty diapers off themselves to show their dislike.

• Does your child let you know in some way that they have to go to the bathroom or do they let you know while they are going? This shows you that your child is able to recognize to some degree when they have to go to the bathroom.

• Does your child show interest in the potty? They want to sit on it, maybe even without a diaper.

• Does your child have a dry diaper after their nap or a dry diaper after an hour and a half? This shows you that your child has the physical maturity to hold his urine for an extended period of time.

Potty Training Tips

• Take your child to the bathroom with you. Children learn by example. Dads and brothers can show the little boys how it is done and moms and sisters can show the little girls how to go to the potty.

• Find a potty that works best for your child. Some children prefer using the little potty chair while others want to use the big potty with a potty seat insert. You can even try purchasing one of those potties that play music or change colors if you think it would work best for your child.

• You can make a reward chart and let your child put a sticker on it each time they go to the potty. This works with some children but not others.

• Have your child start wearing underwear around the house instead of training diapers. Most children will just go to the bathroom in their training diaper as if it were a regular diaper. When they go to the bathroom in their underwear, this is a different sensation all together. Try buying some fun underwear with characters your child likes.

• There are many children’s books out there that teach children about going to the potty. Try reading some of these books to your child.

• Be sure and praise your child for going to the potty or even if they attempt to go.

Don’t Despair

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t pick up potty training right away. All children are different and what works for one doesn’t always work for the other. Some children will urinate in the potty pretty easily but are afraid to defecate in the potty. If this is the case with your child, you may have to put a diaper on them if they have to defecate and continue to let them urinate in the potty. Reassure them that it is okay and they will eventually come around.

If your child cries and shows a lot of anxiety over potty training then stop and try it in a few months. And never show anger and disappointment when accidents happen and many will happen. Children don’t always potty train when we want them to but instead when they are ready.
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