At the age of 3-1/2, most children are physically able to control their eliminations and are mature enough to understand simple instructions. These are both key prerequisites to potty training. But potty training is a process, and you will see your child regress after he has been dry for several days. Keep at it, and at some point you will realize it has been days or weeks since your child last had an accident.
Be Sure Your Child Is Ready
Step 1
Make sure your child is physically ready to potty train before you begin. She should regularly keep her diaper dry for two or three hours at a time, and be uncomfortable in a wet or dirty diaper. If she does not show signs of physical readiness by 3-1/2, discuss this with your pediatrician.
Step 2
Be sure your child is mentally ready. He should be able to answer basic questions like "Which shirt do you want to wear today?" He should also be able to follow basic instructions, such as "Go throw your diaper away."
Step 3
Choose a calm period in your child's life. Don't try to potty train if you have just moved, brought home a new baby or had some other major upheaval. Wait until life has settled into a routine first.
Step 4
Set a goal. Most preschools do not allow children to attend in diapers, so that can be a good motivator for your child. Take her to the preschool classroom, let her talk to the teacher and see all the fun things the children get to do, then explain that when she is out of diapers, she can join in the fun. If your child is unimpressed with the idea of going to preschool, find out what does motivate her.
Teach Toileting Skills
Step 1
Show your child each step in the toileting process, from unfastening his pants to washing his hands. If you have tried to potty train before, it doesn't hurt to re-teach these skills.
Step 2
Remind your child to go to the potty every two hours and right before transitions such as meals, leaving the house or going to bed. Ask your child to use the bathroom before beginning any activity that she might be reluctant to interrupt, such as a favorite TV show.
Step 3
If your child has an accident, involve him in cleaning up the mess. As you help him bathe and change clothes, explain that he would have been back to playing much quicker if he had stopped sooner and gone to the potty. Many children are reluctant to leave an activity and try to hold it until the activity ends.
Step 4
Praise and reward your child with a big kid treat when she stays dry for an extended period of time. For some children, staying dry for five or six hours is a big accomplishment. For others, a whole day is a challenge. Choose a reward that emphasizes her new big kid status. Perhaps she could accompany an older sibling on an outing or get to stay up a bit later in the evening.
Step 5
Remind your child frequently about his goal. Praise him for being dry, and encourage him to keep up the good work to earn his ultimate reward. If your child is visually oriented, a calendar can be helpful. Allow your child to put a sticker on each day he stays dry, and establish how many dry days he must have in order to earn a reward.
Tips and Warnings
- Remember to be patient. Potty training is as challenging for your child as losing weight or quitting smoking is for some adults. It is a lifestyle change, and those take time. Try to keep your attitude upbeat despite the inevitable frustrations.
- If your child does not show signs of readiness by 3-1/2, speak to your pediatrician. She might want to investigate these and other developmental delays.
