How to potty train your toddler

Potty training is a milestone for children and parents alike. Like everything else, a lot of patience is required before a child will feel comfortable enough to use the potty on their own.

Usually, potty-training success has a lot to do with physical and emotional readiness. Many children show interest in potty training by the age of two, while others might not be ready until they are two and a half.

Is it time?

If you’re wondering whether or not to begin potty training your toddler, ask yourself these questions:

• Does your child seem interested in the potty chair or toilet or in wearing underwear?
• Can your child understand and follow basic directions?
• Does your child tell you through words, facial expressions or posture when he or she needs to go to the toilet?
• Does your child stay dry for periods of two hours or longer during the day?
• Does your child complain about wet or dirty diapers?
• Can your child pull down his or her pants and pull them up again?
• Can your child sit on and rise from a potty chair?

Those who answered yes to most of these will find that their child is ready for potty training. If not, then don’t rush them into it as children will take a lot longer to learn when they are pushed into doing something.

When you decide it’s time to start potty training your toddler, begin by maintaining a sense of humour and a positive attitude. Then follow the steps below:

Pull out the equipment. Make sure you place a potty chair in the toilet for your child and encourage them to use it. Help them understand how to talk about the bathroom using simple and correct terms.

Schedule potty breaks. Have your child spend a few minutes a day on their potty chair. Read a potty-training book or give them a book to read as they sit.

Get there fast. As soon as you start to notice signs that your child might need to use the toilet, respond quickly. Children may squirm, squat or hold their genital area.

Ditch the nappies. After a few weeks of successful potty breaks, your child may be ready to start using training pants or regular underwear. Celebrate the transition by bringing them along to buy “big kid” underwear.

Remember

Accidents might happen every now and again, but as a parent you need to remember to stay calm. Perhaps you could remind them to use the toilet every so often, or even bring spare clothes with you wherever you go.