A Few Examples of When to Potty Train
July 21st, 2009. Published under Infants and Toddlers. No Comments.
Of course every toddler (just like every family) is entirely unique, and there is no set of potty training examples that could ever hope to cover each and every personality, but the following examples do offer a nice range of individual examples that span from the easiest to the most difficult.
Example #1: This child can maintain control over their urine. They are about 22-24 months old and are able to release at will. It is time to take them to start their transition to the toilet. Start taking them with you to the restroom every time you need to go, modeling the behavior before you expect them to do it themselves. Research clearly shows that it takes boys a bit longer to differentiate between the sensations of elimination than it does for girls. Nonetheless, if you find your child in search of a quiet corner, they are likely ready for a receptacle.
Example #2 : This child is two and a half, perhaps going on three. They can take their underwear off and ask to be changed. They are definitely ready. Use language such as, “Great job! We should put that diaper in the trash can and get some underwear on you.” When you find your child seeking a quiet cozy corner and some privacy to match, it is a clear indication that their quiet corner should migrate to the bathroom. If your child does end up having an accident, keep it clinical and make sure you include them in the clean up. This will reinforce their accountability and help to speed along the process.
Example #3: This child is ready for underwear, though perhaps her parents are not. She is staying dry all day at school, but arriving in diapers. This will continue to be a frustrating cycle until the parents finally buy underwear and bite the bullet. Continue to use underwear during rest. After a couple of weeks of rising dry and happy, your child will be ready to lose the diaper entirely. So will you.
Example #4: This child is at the cusp of three. He has perfect language skills and demonstrates clear comprehension of the potty training process. Train him at the earliest opportunity. Research shows, the longer we wait the more difficult the task can become. There is no reason to wait. Effective potty training is about clear communication. If your child can listen and respond, they are clearly ready for potty training.
Each family is different and the correct method is the one that is right for you and your family. The common thread through every success is clear and consistent communication. Children often understand and are capable of far more than they are given credit for. Successful potty training starts with communication, followed by realistic expectation, and is concluded by steady triumph.
http://pottytrainingpower.com Sean Platt offers potty training tips, tricks and advice to help parents determine the best time to start potty training their children. Visit him at PottyTrainingPower.com today!