It’s one of the most anticipated moments in a parent’s
“career," and also one of the most dreaded—potty training. While the anticipation of diaper-free days
can cause parents to skip past the diaper aisle and straight towards the potty
chairs, potty training can also be a stressful time. Knowing when to start, what to do, and how to
do it can overwhelm even the most enthusiastic parents, causing them pack away
the potty chair for another day.
However, potty training does not need to be a difficult
process. The key is knowing WHEN to
start. Almost everyone has heard the
saying; “You can’t lead a horse to water."
Well, the same goes for toddlers.
No matter how hard parents try, they simply can’t “lead a baby to the
potty" unless baby is ready. Waiting
until your child is ready to potty will not only speed up the potty training
process, it will make it enjoyable.
But how will you know when your child is ready for potty
training?
Believe it or not, there are telltale signs that almost all
children exhibit. Bear in mind, however,
that children must exhibit more than one sign to be deemed completely ready for
potty training. Generally, waiting until your child exhibits one or two signs
will ensure that potty training runs as smoothly as possible.
Some of the signs that your child is ready for potty
training are:
If your child consistently wakes up with dry diapers, then
he is beginning the transition towards diaper-free days. This is often the first sign that a child is
learning to control his bladder.
Does your little one ask you to change her diaper
immediately after filling it?
Congratulations! She’s aware that
she’s dirty, and doesn’t like the feeling.
Using a potty will help her to avoid this discomfort.
Many parents often giggle when their toddlers stop their
favorite game of blocks, run over to a hidden corner, and crouch down—only to
return once their “business" is finished.
Children who delineate potty time from playtime can not only control
their functions, but also are aware that these functions deserve their own time
and place away from the everyday routines of life.
It seems straightforward, but many parents are often so
exhausted they don’t notice. If your
child shows an interest in wearing underwear, using toilet paper, or toilets,
this is the perfect time (potentially) to introduce toilet training. Children wanting to mimic Mom and Dad (or
older siblings) are more likely to embrace moving from diapers to “the big
chair."
No matter how old your child is, understanding when he or
she is truly ready to begin the steps towards potty training will ensure that
this developmental milestone is just as memorable—and enjoyable—as all the
others. Like first words and first
steps, leading a baby to a potty is only possible when baby is ready.
For more potty training information, tips, articles, and products please visit Potty Training Rewards.
