Potty training. Many parents have pushed aside this idea while their child was an infant, but as they are reaching the toddler stage, there is no denying it and it is something you are going to have to endure with your toddler. How do you know when your toddler is ready to be potty trained? Seek out information to help you know when the time is right.
Times are changing. In 1961, 90 percent of toddlers where potty trained by the time they turned two. Now, only 22 percent have mastered the skill by their second birthday. This could say several things, however, it most likely says that maybe parents of the past were a little too eager to potty train their toddlers. Many feel the pressure to keep up with the Jones and make sure their child is trained just like the others. This could result in an all out battle with your toddler. Studies have shown that parents, who start training their child at 18 months, weren’t fully successful until their toddler was four years old. At the same time, children who started potty training at two were trained by the time they were three.
Rather being focused on your child’s age, it might be more beneficial to watch for signs of your child being ready and open to being potty trained. Here are a few things to watch for.
- · Your toddler will show signs that they physically recognize the sensations that tell them when it is time to use the potty. They may pause while playing, squat, grunt or hold on to their genitals.
- · Your toddler begins to let you know that they are wet or dirty and lets you know that this is uncomfortable.
- · He or she is able to go several hours at a time with a dry diaper and is able to fully empty their bladder all at once, instead of passing small amounts of urine like a younger toddler would.
- · Controlling the sphincter muscles in the anus is a must for your toddler to be ready to potty train. This will help hold in stool.
- · Your toddler also must be able to pull down his or her own pants and get on and off the potty on their own.
There are also some emotional signs that can be tell-tale for readiness.
- · If your toddler shows interest in the potty or the toilet.
- · Your toddler should be willing to sit on the potty or toilet instead of wearing a diaper.
- · Your toddler must also understand what a toilet is used for and how it is used.
- · It is also helpful if your toddler can communicate with you using words and gestures. This will come in handy when it is time for him or her to tell you when they have to go.
- · If you can time potty training during one of those phases when your toddler likes to please you, this will be to your advantage.
