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Are you and your child ready to take the plunge into the world of potty training? Determining when your child is ready to potty train is going to be different across the board. It won't benefit you or your child to stress or watch the days go by on the calendar until your child reaches whatever golden age is deemed appropriate to start potty training. I can't say that there is an average age that your child should begin potty training. If you know the signs and understand your child's needs, then when the time is right you will know. There are however some signs to look for when deciding the right time for you and your child to start the process.

Showing an interest in the potty is a key factor. If your child is in the bathroom with you and they have a look of wonderment about what you're doing, now might be the time to introduce the potty chair/seat. Place your child on their potty whenever you go to the bathroom and explain to them what you're doing. Praise afterwards is a plus; this way they realize what you're doing and what they will eventually do is a good thing. Letting them know what a big kid they are is also a great form of encouragement. Most people have to use the bathroom when they first wake up and before they go to bed. A good practice to set into place would be to immediately put them on their potty chair when they wake up and also use the potty chair as a part of their bedtime routine.

Does your child recognize when they need a clean diaper? My daughter first expressed this by using sign language and saying Mamma pamper. If your child can tell you they need a clean diaper or has tell tale signs that they are using the bathroom, you're on your way down the road to no more diapers. Does your child go off to be alone or hide in a corner and then appear with a dirty diaper? If so then it might be time to show them where big kids use the bathroom. If you can't catch them before the deed is done, don't sweat it, at least you're beginning to learn their habits.

Another good rule of thumb is to see if your child can stay dry for a couple of hours at a time. One way to help ensure this is to keep your child on a fairly routine feeding schedule. If you can schedule when they are taking in food and drink, you are more likely to be able to tell when it will be time for them to use the bathroom. I know the life of a parent can be hectic and sometimes it's not the easiest to do. It will however be helpful if you can narrow it down to a small window of time when they might need to go. If you can get there when they need to go wonderful; if not at least you and your child are getting use to the routine of going into the bathroom and trying. You will get it eventually.

Potty training is not only about your child, it's also about you. You must take the time to read your child's signs and understand when they have a need to use the bathroom. It's a process that will take time, but how rewarding it will be for the both of you when they reach that milestone. It also won't hurt to save the expense of diapers! Good luck to you and your child on this challenging and rewarding experience.

Learn more about this author, E. Tillery.
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