by Sara Trimble

Created on: June 26, 2009   Last Updated: February 06, 2011

A child’s readiness for potty-training differs for each individual child, but the most common age seems to be within eighteen to twenty-four months. As a parent, it is vital to watch for signs of your child’s readiness before you begin. These behavioral characteristics range from grunting and odd facial expressions, to crouching and hiding in a corner. Once you become aware of these, it will make it easier to know when to take your child to the bathroom.

Before you begin potty training, let the child help you pick out a few necessities: a potty chair or a cushioned seat to fit over your commode; pull-ups; and their choice of big kid underwear. It is better to limit the amount of pull-ups your toddler wears. These feel too much like a diaper and children often have trouble distinguishing the difference. Show your child what you expect of them, in terms of not having accidents. Set up a reward system. Every time your toddler goes to the bathroom successfully, offer them a various treat, like a healthy snack, or a few extra minutes of playtime.

There are different methods to getting your child to go to the potty. For a boy, give them a target to aim at in the toilet and have them try to hit it. Recommended items are a Cheerio, raisin, or a Fruit Loop. Some parents like to set up a small laser to shine into the water as the target. This is a slightly more expensive route.

For females, allow her to accompany a female relative every time she goes to the restroom. Once the adult is through, ask the child if she would like to give it a try. Place her on the potty, even if she does not go, and praise her once she is done. Keep the child on a timeline, usually every fifteen to thirty minutes, with an extra visit after large consumption of a drink. When you escort your child to the restroom, make it a fun trip. Children are more likely to respond in a positive manner when they are excited about the task they are about to attempt. Make potty training fun and unique and you will get the desired results.

Be prepared to deal with accidents in the beginning. Always keep extra clothes with you and use the pull-ups when you are going to be away from your home for an extended period of time. Children often find it intimidating to use a strange restroom when they first start to potty train. Allow your child to use the restroom before they leave and try to get them to use an unfamiliar one as well. But never pressure your child.

Always remember to take your time and let the child decide when they are ready to potty train. If after a week or two, your child still shows no interest, take a break and try again a few weeks later. Eighteen months seems to be when children start becoming independent and wants to do new things. However, it is not uncommon for children to wait until much closer to two years of age before they take a full interest.

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