Most children are both physically and emotionally ready to potty train by age 3. According to Keepkidshealthy.com, potty training often occurs between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. Signs of readiness include dry diapers for more than two hours, facial feature changes prior to urinating or having a bowel movement as well as verbally stating "I need to go potty!" If your 3-year-old follows directions, is uncomfortable in diapers and wants to wear regular "big kid" underwear it is time to begin potty training.
Step 1
Use a potty chair that your 3-year-old can easily climb on. Ensure her feet touch the floor or keep a small stool handy. Allow your child to use the potty chair even with clothes on. Have her sit in the chair and become comfortable. Hand her a book or toy while sitting in the chair while you get ready in the morning or when you are cleaning the bathroom.
Step 2
Place your child onto the potty chair after he has a wet diaper. Show him the wet diaper and explain how the potty is used. Model behavior by having him watch you use the bathroom.
Step 3
Monitor your child for signs she needs to use the restroom---perhaps her facial expression or posture changes. Praise her when she verbally states she needs to use the restroom.
Step 4
Take your child to the potty throughout the day to encourage bathroom use. Focus on using the restroom after meal times or after drinking large amounts of liquid.
Step 5
Praise your child for sitting on the potty even if he does not go to the restroom, advises the University of Michigan Health System. Remember to not force your child to stay on the potty if he becomes angry or frustrated. Try another time.
Step 6
Create a reward chart. Place a star or sticker on the chart after each successful potty attempt. After a designated number of attempts your child can receive a small toy or candy.
Step 7
Involve your child when an accident occurs. Have her get a new diaper or training pants as well as a new change of clothes.
Step 8
Use matter-of-fact language when potty training. Describe body parts using the words such as penis and vagina. Do not describe bowel movements as "stink" or "dirty," which can make your child feel ashamed.
Step 9
Start potty training in the summer, suggests the University of Michigan Health Center. Children will be wearing less clothing, making it easier to change outfits when accidents occur.
Step 10
Understand resistance is a sign that your child is not ready for potty training. Wait a month and try again. Resistance also occurs if your child had a bad experience potty training previously or wasn't ready on a previous attempt.
Tips and Warnings
- Accidents are a normal part of potty training. Do not criticize or punish your child when an accident occurs. Find clean clothes, change bedding if necessary and remind her that accidents will happen and it is OK. The average length of time to potty train a child is three to six months with occasional accidents occurring until children are 5 years old or more, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Boys begin potty training by sitting down. Once they are fully trained they can stand up to urinate.
Things You'll Need
- Potty chair
- Diapers
- Training pants
- Toys
- Candy
- Reward chart
