Toilet or “potty” training is the process of teaching children bladder and bowel control.
While most children reach this milestone between the ages of 2 and 4 years old, every child develops at their own pace. You as parents, other caregivers, and family members can all help your child become toilet trained. Over several months, you will need to be patient, and give daily attention and encouragement to your child.
The best time to start toilet training
Your child’s age alone does not determine whether he is ready for toilet training. Methods of toilet training vary between different cultures.
Toilet training takes time
Children often take a few months to learn to control their bowels and bladders during the day. Exactly how long it takes will depend on the child. …show more content…
Be sure your child has good support for his feet.
Start the new routine step by step
Show your child the potty. Explain the new bathroom routine with simple steps:
First, let your child sit fully clothed on the potty.
Next, encourage your child to sit on the potty after removing his wet or soiled diaper. You can even put the dirty diaper in the potty. This may help your child understand what the potty is for.
A day or so later, take your child to the potty several times a day.
Finally, start the new routine with your child by setting aside specific times every day when you go to the potty. These times could be after your child wakes up, after meals, and before naps and bedtime.
Praise progress
Encourage your child to tell you when he needs to go to the bathroom. Praise him for telling you, even if there is an accident on the way to the potty. Do not punish or threaten to punish your child. Encouragement and support will motivate your child to keep trying and make the next step. Celebrate your child’s progress, for example, a switch from diapers to training pants.
Training