Toilet Training
By Josiah Henderson
Signs of Readiness
Signs of readiness include
- An interest in using the restroom
- The ability to listen to commands
- Disliking how a dirty diaper feels
- Has the coordination to walk or run steadily
- The ability to sit still for a short period of time
- Demonstrating the desire for independence and a pride in achievements
- The ability to undress and dress themselves
- Making it through naps without wetting themselves or having dry spells
Children are unlikely to demonstrate all of these at once, however, once they exhibit a majority of the signs, they are likely ready to start potty training.
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self dressing
It's important that they are able to dress and undress themselves so that they can take their clothes off before using the restroom and back on after without an adult's help.
Encourage your child
Encouragement is important because it can help the child to enjoy the process and take pride in themselves when they succeed
Parental reasons
Once a child is able to use the restroom without a parent's help, it helps the child take one more step towards independence and the parents will no longer have to change diapers for them. Overall, it's just a little bit easier for them.
Which comes first?
Bowel training comes first, followed by training the bladder.
Muscle control and it's importance
Muscle control is important because without it, any training would be futile. If they can't hold it in, they can't train.
Optimal time
The optimal time to start training is 18 months to 3 years.
Sources
Mayoclinic.com
Parenting.com
Parents.com