So you think your child is ready for the potty? Here are some questions you might want to ask before you start potty training.
How old is your child? Although a generation ago moms started potty training as early as six months of age, now the common starting age for potty training is around two years of age. Some children will be ready as early as eighteen months but you should watch for other signs of readiness.
Is your child able to tell you when he pees or poops? If your child is able to verbalize when they are making a bodily function this is a good sign of readiness.
Does your child take his diapers off when they are vet or dirty? Many children start to get uncomfortable sitting in their diaper when they are ready to potty train.
Has your child tried to sit on the potty or flush it? This is another sign of readiness. In fact, some children practically potty train themselves and climb up on the potty all on their own when they are ready.
Once you decide your child is ready and mom is ready you can start potty training. Try to find a time when you can dedicate several days to this. Once your child starts to get it, it can happen fairly quickly.
Here are some ideas that work for many moms
Take your child to the potty every time you go to the potty.
Do naked potty training. Sometimes seeing themselves peeing helps them understand what is happening. This can be messy. If you don't think your child is ready for this you can use underwear so that he feels wet when he goes.
Reward your child. You can use candy, stickers or toys. Charts are okay but children like to have an immediate reward. Start with rewards for sitting on the potty and then go to rewarding for going on the potty.
If you have a boy, you can also get some dry cheerios and let them practice aiming at the cheerios.
Try potty training for a few days but if you are not seeing any progress then take a break for a few weeks. You don't want this to be stressful for your child and you don't want it to become a power struggle. Try again when you and your child are up for it.