Is it Time to Potty Train Your Little One?

As soon as I handed her a cup of fruit punch, she walked to the bathroom and slowly poured it down the toilet. My 2 year old daughter, Lily studied it very closely with furrowed brows. The fact that it was her favorite, made me even more suspicious. She had taken quite a liking to pouring different types of liquids that she could get her little hands on, down the toilet. This was just another way for her to communicate that she was ready to potty train. I had been watching her very closely over the last few weeks because she suddenly had developed a sudden interest in flushing the toilet. At first, the noise frightened her. Then, she discovered the wonders of toilet paper. Like most children, she enjoyed watching the toilet paper disappear when she flushed.

How do you know if your child is ready to leave those diapers behind? Usually, a child is ready to become potty-trained around the ages of eighteen and thirty-six months. Each child will develop at his own pace and you must be alert to the signals he gives you. The key is to watch your child very carefully. He will become aware of his diaper habits. Your child will be able to understand simple words and be able to express himself to let you know that he has to use the bathroom. He may talk about "going, about to go or just went". It can be music to a mother's ears after countless messy diaper changes. He may also seem very uncomfortable with his soiled diaper and may tug or pull it off. Another clear sign is if he can listen and follow commands. Attempting to use the potty requires the ability to follow a routine. If he understands what it means to pull his pants down, wipe, etc., he is ready to try the potty. Some children become bashful about using their diaper and run and hide to pee or poop. He may also imitate things that other family members do. These are all signs that your child is ready to attempt potty training.

Even if you observe these signs, he may still not be ready to lose those diapers. It may be as simple as being frightened by the sounds of a flushing toilet. A child will succeed at potty training when he is emotionally and physically ready. It is important to make potty training a pleasurable experience filled with rewards and encouraging words.