The Process
Tips for SuccessToilet Training should be a fun and exciting experience for both you and your child. Remember, your child should feel in control of the process, not you. Take a slow, casual, matter-of-fact approach, and make it fun!
Always encourage and praise your child
Do not begin training until your child shows signs that he/she is ready.
Every child is different. Most are ready for training between two and two and a half years old (some as young as 18 months or as old as 3 years).
Start at a time when you can spend a lot of time together- when your child is eager to please you and there are no major distractions or traumatic events in his/her life (new sibling, divorce, moving, new caretaker, etc.).
Never pressure or punish your child for unsuccessful attempts at using the potty.
Most of all, be patient! Your child will learn to use the potty when he or she is ready (and not before!).
15 Signs of toilet training readiness
Your child is ready to learn potty skills when he or she:
1. Has bowel movements at about the same time every day
2. Can stay dry for a few hours or wakes up dry from sleep
3. Knows that he/she has to go to the bathroom
4. Understands the association between dry pants and using the potty
5. Can pull her pants up and down
6. Lets you know when he/she has soiled his/her diaper (likes to stay dry)
7. Can follow simple directions like, "lets go to the potty"
8. Understands potty terms (wet, dry, pee, poop, dirty and potty)
9. Can tell you he/she has to go to the bathroom
10. Imitates other family members
11. Shows interest and asks question while watching you
12. Wants to do things "by myself"
13. Enjoys washing his/her hands (like to be clean)
14. Gets upset if his/her belongings are not in their proper place
15. Wants to please you!
Lisa Julian is the creator of Lee-Bee Potty Charts and is the mother of five-year old Nicolas, three-year old Alexander and two-year-old Samantha. She is the founder of Lee-Bee Products, distributors of motivational tools for children, including toilet training and chore charts. Her line is available in local Massachusetts stores at Rhyme 'N' Reason, Learning Express and Storybook Cove.
