This tip brought to you by our Parent Guru Patricia Walters-Fischer
on Apr 15, 2010
When it's time for children to potty train, it can be joyous. Of course, when a child decides it time and when a parent decides it can be quite different timing.
This is only complicated by family member's input, preschool or day-care qualifications, and other parent's input of when their child got out of diapers. Being at a parenting group and having all the other parents give you the stink eye because your 2 1/2 year old isn't potty trained can be a frustrating experience. It can also make you ask the no win question "what am I doing wrong?"
Look, every child is different and every child will be potty trained. Becoming a raving maniac because Little Johnny down the street, the kid who eats Legos, is potty trained before your brilliant Jenny, isn't going to help.
The biggest thing you can do is be patient. Your child isn't going to prom in a diaper, so if they aren't potty trained by the age of two or even three, don't worry.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_ToiletTrain.htm),
many children show signs they are ready to be potty trained between the ages of 18 to 24 months and most children are completely potty trained between the ages of 3-4 years old. This is when their bodies are physically able to control bowel and bladder. This is for daytime only. Even though a child is potty trained during the day, nightime wetting may not be accomplished until the child is five or even older.
Understand, a child will be ready when they are ready. A parent shouldn't freak out or use potty training as a form of punishment. There are many books out there to help a parent understand different methods and techniques, but the biggest things a parent can do to help a child is patience and consistency. Applaud the child when they show interest, reward with things like stickers, stamps on the hand, or simply a great big hug.
Once a child shows signs of being ready to potty train, then pick a method and stick with it for at least a week or more. Allow good and bad days and know the child will get it. They are figuring out their bodies as much as you are so don't stress. It will happen, probably not fast enough from the parent's point of view, but it will happen.
