How to Potty Train Your Toddler

Most toddlers have the ability to control their bowels between 18 to 24 months, and their bladder around 24 months. However, potty training will vary depending on the age and personality of the child. It's important that your child is able to follow instructions well before one begins potty training. Before potty training your child, there are some things to look for in order to determine whether your toddler is ready.

Firstly, place the potty in the bathroom and try to avoid moving it to other rooms in the house or in front of the television. To be consistent, put your toddler on a schedule; make sure that you potty train at scheduled times daily. The best time to do this is in the morning when the child first wakes, after every meal and before bedtime. Whenever your child goes in his or her diaper, empty the dirty diaper into the potty, because this not only reinforces what you have taught your toddler, but also develops understanding.

In addition, always praise your child no matter what the outcome. It's also encouraging to have what I call "potty toys." These are toys used to reward your toddler with when he or she goes to the pot on his or her own or goes with some encouragement from you.

Furthermore, never let your toddler sit on the potty for more than 5 to 10 minutes. It's good to keep an open mind and also observe your child's behavior in contrast to your expectations, and always listen to what your child is telling you. For example, you might hear your toddler's fears, pride, hopes and a little maturity; therefore this will be your signal (as mom or dad) to encourage them or offer moral support. You might be surprised, but a little encouragement goes a very long way. Saying things like, "I am so proud of you," or "accidents happen it's okay; it's no big deal," will make a huge impression on a toddler's young mind. More so, if your child did not go the last time you took him or her to the pot, then you know the second time around, there is a greater probability that he or she will go the next time around. Therefore, try to encourage him or her to go or to 'try.'

Likewise, it's important to check in with your child often (possibly every hour); it's a great way to help him or her to think about the act of going to the potty and also gradually become more in tune with his or her body. Moreover, how you communicate this to your child is essential; it's important to ask in a way that helps the child to think and feel in control of their decision to use the potty. When asked intermittently, it reminds him or her to focus on that "gotta' go feeling". In addition, reading to a child or playing soothing, yet fun children songs is a great way to help your toddler to relax on the potty.

Moreover, always be loving and encouraging, and establish a reward system. Do not only give your toddler toys, but also remind him or her how proud you are of their small successes and tell him or her how proud you are that they are doing bigger kid stuff. That is one sure fire way to get quick results. In the same respect also discipline your child if he or she "deliberately" chooses to go in their underpants. When I say "discipline" I am referring to denying your toddler something they like a lot. For example; taking away a toy or something they enjoy temporarily, because children forget the reasons why they are being punished after a lot of time has passed. Once the time has passed, return the toy or put their show on and explain why you are doing it.

Toilet training will sometimes take longer than expected, primarily because children are prone to having accidents. However, it is good to remind them that it's okay and that they are doing great regardless, because they have come along way and are doing more "big kid stuff."

Initially, it's great to have a sing along or a theme song when potty training in order to make the experience extra special; as a reminder that this 'moment' is for the purpose of potty training alone. However, as this process progresses and your child becomes more and more comfortable and regular; it is good to respond to the "deed" in a very natural way. The reason for this is because both you and your toddler have evolved in this experience together and the relationship has changed. Therefore, it is important for your child to understand that this is a natural thing (process) and you are not going to continue to reward or make a big deal out of something that he or she should be doing naturally.

Once your child becomes more and more comfortable on the potty it is important to make the transition from training pants and now 'reward' him or her with the "big kid underpants," or simply put; underwear, as a reminder that he or she is growing up.