by Robin Tidwell

Created on: June 11, 2009   Last Updated: April 29, 2010

The methods and means of potty training are hotly debated topics, but the age at which one begins this chore is arguably the point most frequently discussed. The purposes of potty training include fostering independence, self-care, and sanitation, and so there are milestones which must be accomplished prior to beginning this training.

A child is ready when he wakes up dry from naptime or, less likely in the early stages, an overnight. He is ready when he no longer requires diaper changes every hour or so, but stays dry for three or four; he is ready when his bowel movements arrive once or twice a day on a fairly regular basis. And of course, he is ready whenever he tells you so...or when you tell him.

An infant who is not yet mobile should not be subjected to potty training; how is this promoting independence, if the parent must transport the child to the potty? It will, obviously, decrease the cost of diapers, but if a parent chooses this method he will spend much time for naught - the average child cannot control either bladder or bowels until at least the age of one year.

A toddler who has begun to walk should be introduced to a potty chair; let him become familiar with the sight of the chair, play in, on, and around it, and eventually even sit on it - diapers and all. He'll be interested in this new development, and this indicates the beginning of readiness.

Allow the child to accompany parents to the bathroom - they'll do this anyway so, to save aggravation, consider it a teaching moment. Privacy flew out the window at the first obstetrical visit, and likely won't be regained until the child is at least five years old. This, too, is interesting to a toddler - just like any new experience and environment.

Remember this: potty training one's child by the age of two is much, much easier than waiting until three or four or even five. Our parents and grandparents knew this, and now is the time for this generation to hark back to the old days and realize that this is a natural function, one which cannot be messed up or, heaven forbid, psychologically damaging.

Remove the diaper, and dress the child in a simple shirt and brand-new undies. Start by taking the child to the potty, every hour, and sitting him on it for a few minutes. If he goes, great! Tell him he did a good job - don't give a reward, don't sing and dance around the room like a ninny, don't promise him the moon. Going on the potty is a natural thing to do, all humans engage in this activity

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