Goals for Potty Training and Child Development

Even though potty training can be an easy task for some children, it is not for all. The age of potty training has a wide spectrum from 18 months old to 5 ½ years olds. Be assured unless there is a health concern they will go when ready. This can be a frustrating time for everyone. Therefore, stay cool so that the child has no ideal how much it frustrates you. Some children train easily then regress at a later age.

A good time to start training the child is around the age 18 months. However, the child's development growth plays a big roll in it. This goal takes both the child and parents being ready. The task of potty training takes extreme devotion with energy on the parent's part. In addition, the need for encouragement is necessary.

There are many signs for when a child may be ready to train. Some of them are; letting you know their diaper is wet or soiled. This may mean they are uncomfortable with the diaper. When the child is pulling their pants up and down is another sign. They may even take their diaper off. Another is when the child is interested in the chair or commode by sitting on it. In addition, after napping has a dry diaper and/or goes 2 or more hours with a dry period. Even with these signs, do not be discouraged if they still do not want to go. This kind of reaction is common.

These are things to do before starting the training process. Placing the training chair where the child can see and touch it. Place it in a playroom, their bedroom and in of course the bathroom. This will allow them to become familiar with it. A good ideal is while changing the diaper let them sit on the chair. This will help to get them use to it. Take the child to the bathroom with you. Now let them see in the toilet water after you have used it. Afterward, let her/him flush the toilet.

Important things to remember is never to punish a child while potty training. A child may even wear big kids pants without soiling them. This does not mean they are going to the potty. It is the parent's responsibility to be sure they are actually using the potty. It is bad for their urinary track or digestive system when holding them to long. Be sure to remember that they will not go until they are ready. Only they will know when this is. Encourage them by giving them stickers, sugarless gum, or other treats. Do this even if they are just sitting on but not using the potty. Also, give the rewards even after they are actually using the potty. Some will enjoy making up a song to sing together as a reward. A song example: "John or Sally is going to the potty, going to the potty, now he/she is using the potty John or Sally is a big boy/girl now!"

Some may not be going as late as 4 or 5 years old. Keep in mind that it will happen do not give up. When the child appears afraid of the potty or toilet and does not tell you why, counseling may be of help. Be assured though just when you think it is not going to happen is when it will. Potty training is part of the child's development.

Other things to keep in mind are do not threat or use scare tactics in trying to get them to go. This will only make the task or goal harder together with delaying the success of potty training.