Potty Training Your Toddler

Deciding when to start potty training is the most crucial step in the process.  If you start potty training too early, it can take months to be successful.  This is difficult for the child and can be extremely frustrating for the parent too.  Look for these clues when starting to potty train.

1. Your child is verbal enough to let you know when he/she has to go potty.
2. Your child can easily walk to the toilet.
3. He/She can verbalize when they are going in their diaper.  This is a sign of readiness, but when they let you know before they need to go, it's time to start.
4. Your child stops playing to have a bowel movement.
5. Your child wakes up from the night with a dry diaper (this isn't a necessity, but it is a big help)
6. Your child's diaper is dry for long periods, then extremely wet.  This demonstrates that they are not going small amounts throughout the day, but mostly at one time.
7.  Your child is interested when you go to the bathroom and shows a motivation to go as well.
8. Your child can follow simple directions.
9. You haven't gone through any big transitions lately (a new baby, a move, etc.)  

When my daughter was ready to be potty trained we went to Target and bought a new toilet and underwear.  She was very involved in this and it helped to get her excited about the new process.  We also bought a few kids' books on Potty Training to read while she was on the potty.

Dr. Phil recommends buying a doll that drinks and goes potty.  Your child can help the doll put on panties and go potty, then you give the doll a party.  When you're finished, your child goes potty and is given a party.  We didn't do the party part, but the doll was a great idea.   

Many parents give stickers or treats for going potty.  I would beware of the food as a reward concept.  Personally, I'm more fond of the positive reinforcement with words and encouragement.   

Now you're ready to try. Here are a few last helpful hints:

1. Set aside at least one day with no outings.
2. Provide a lot of liquids. The more your child drinks, the more they will have to use their potty.
3. If it's warm outside, let your toddler run around with just underwear. It's much easier to get quickly to the potty.
4. Set a timer for every 2 hours to get on the potty. If they don't go, set it for 10 more minutes to keep trying.
5. Give a lot of encouragement!