Potty Training
Every parent has been through potty training during their childhood, but that doesn't mean they'll know what to do when they have to train a child to use the toilet. Potting training is usually done when toddlers are between the ages of two to four and many preschool programs insist children be trained before attending, which can put an unexpected deadline on your family's potty training schedule.
A child's readiness for training depends on a number of physical and psychological factors. Physically, a child's body must be developed enough that they can hold their urine or bowel movements long enough to get to the toilet and they must be able to recognize what their body feels like when they have to go. Psychological signs include the child becoming distressed when their diaper is wet or disappearing to a hiding place when they're having a bowel movement. Emotional factors can also play a part in training. If the child is dealing with other stressors such as a death in the family, moving to a new home, or the addition of a new baby it may be best to put off the training until the stress has eased.
Those looking for methods to use in potty training have many resources to chose from. Books, parenting magazines, and websites offer potty training advice as well as games and incentive programs that can be incorporated into training. If your child has special needs internet discussion groups are a wonderful way to connect with other parents who have faced the same difficulties and can offer their advice. Books that specifically cover how to potty train and teach life skills to children with Autism, Down Syndrome, Fragile X and other special needs are also available.
Before you begin potty training your child you will need some supplies. Toddlers are too small to sit on an adult toilet seat so you'll need to invest in a potty chair or child toilet seat that fits on your adult toilet. Some child toilet seats also come with hand rails or a stepping stool to make it easier for children to sit down. Whatever you choose, your child needs to feel it's safe, otherwise they won't want to sit on it. Try taking your child potty shopping and let them sit on a few of the different seats in the store. This way their preferences can guide your buying decisions. Aside from a toilet seat, other training aids are available such as mini urinals that attach to the toilet for boys, story books or animated videos that tell a story about potty training, success charts and stickers, and potty training dolls for both boys and girls. These supplies can be found in local department stores or through online retailers.
While training remember, many children have accidents or a phase of wanting to return to diapers even after weeks of successfully using the toilet. It's important for parents to remain positive and encouraging even when there are setbacks. Potty training can be time consuming, frustrating, and sometimes even downright messy, but in the end the benefits will make it worthwhile. Imagine the money you'll save on diapers and the pride you'll feel as your child masters this new independence.