Potty Training
Signs of Readiness
What is the child saying?
- is coordinated enough to walk steadily
-urinates a far amount at a time
-has regular well formed bowel movements
- has dry periods for about 2 hours
-can sit quietly in one position for 2-5 minutes
-can pull pants up and down
-dislikes the feeling of wearing a dirty diaper
Child using the potty
Child reads on the potty
Encouragement
Encouraging your child is very important, when you tell them they are doing a good job or that you are happy with the progress they have made, it makes them want to continue trying because they know they are making you happy and they know they are doing something good which makes them feel good.
Parental Reasoning
Parents are changing diapers, once a child learns to use the restroom alone this gives parents a break, a well deserved break.
Optimal time
The optimal age for your child to start potty training is between ages 18 months and 3 years.
Why is muscle control important?
In order for a child to begin using the restroom on their own they must be able to control when they go. When they get the urge to go they need to be able to realize this and have the ability to hold it until they get to the potty.
Is self dressing important?
Self dressing is very important your child needs to be able to take off their pants so that they do not have an accident on themselves, as well as pulling their pants up to that they are not running around with no pants on.
Which comes first?
When your child is learning to use the potty bowel training comes before bladder training, bladder soon follows