by Maggi Thomas

Created on: July 16, 2009

Parents always look forward to any milestone that their kid experience during the growth period. The first step, first word and even the time when they can be potty trained are considered significant events in the toddler's life. In many instances, parents want these milestones to happen real soon. This is particularly true for first time parents who are eager to see their kid slowly gain control of their body and become more independent.

You see all other toddlers walk, run, talk and even are potty trained. And then you see your kid and fear that he has a lot of catching up to do. Just because you see some toddlers potty trained, does not mean your kid should already be, too. But do you know when really is the best time to potty train your toddler?

Do not blame yourself if you see other kids potty trained and your kid lagging behind. Do not feel pressure when you hear your mother or sister ask why has you kid not been potty trained yet. As people have different pace of learning and development, so are kids. It is important to keep in mind that while the parent should play a big part in their child's growth and development, kids develop their skills at their own pace.

Compared to the present, potty training in the past, when cloth diapers were still the popular choice (only because disposable diapers have yet to be made) started when kids turned two. This is because cloth diapers, when wet or soiled are very uncomfortable and irritating not just to the baby but for the parents as well. This is because cleaning cloth diapers can be very messy and daunting. Because of these, parents try to potty train their kid early on.

With the advent of disposable diapers, cleaning and disposing is less complicated and not anymore a disarray. The old reason to potty train the toddler is not anymore applicable. And while the cost of disposable diapers and their potential harm to the environment are other reasons why your toddler should be potty trained, it is your toddler who would tell you when he's ready and able. How does he do it? At first, he tells you if he already wet or soiled his diaper. During the early stages of his growth, he has less control of his bladder. When he starts gaining more control of his body parts, he can then let you know if he is about to wet or soil his diaper.

To let them realize of these things, parents can help the child by asking them to let them know if they have wet or soiled their nappies. In no time at all, your kid will learn pretty quick and he can tell you that he is ready for potty training.

Learn more about this author, Maggi Thomas.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.