Teaching a child to potty train leads to a milestone desired by many parents in which their son or daughter is able to toilet independently. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that while many children show signs of readiness between 18 months and 2 years of age, it's not uncommon for those 30 months and even older to begin potty-training. Before you teach your child to potty train, look for the signs that she's ready to step into her "big girl" panties.
Step 1
Equip your child with the right potty-training tools. Choose a potty chair appropriate for your child's size and height. The AAP indicates that her feet should be able to touch the ground while sitting on the chair. Alternately, select a child's step-stool to allow her access to the adult toilet, again keeping in mind that she should be able to stabilize her feet against the top of the stool. Select some of your child's favorite books or toys so that using the potty becomes a positive experience.
Step 2
Use frank, simple and consistent language when speaking with your child about potty-training. The AAP stresses that whatever words you use to denote body parts and the process of using the toilet should be familiar to other family members and caretakers. But avoid using negative words, such as "nasty," "dirty" and "stinky." When you talk with your child about the natural processes of urination and defecation, present these concepts in a matter-of-fact manner so she won't associate them with something shameful or degrading.
Step 3
Get your child into a routine. Mayo Clinic experts advise letting her simply sit on the potty chair or toilet without a diaper several times a day for a few minutes. Get out the books and toys. Read to your child while she's seated or engage her in play. Even if her foray to the potty chair doesn't yield desired results, commend her for her efforts and tell her that she can try again later. It you notice clear signs that your child has to go, such as squirming or squatting, get her to the potty chair quickly, says the Mayo Clinic. After each "success" reward her with praise. You may even want to consider a "rewards" system, such as a gold star on her achievements chart or extra-long story time at night. Remain positive and encouraging.
Step 4
Once your child uses her potty chair or the adult toilet consistently, get rid of the diapers and graduate her to training pants. However, be prepared for accidents, cautions the Mayo Clinic, especially when she becomes cranky or tired. If this happens, don't make a big deal out of the accident. Simply change your child's soiled clothing and assure her that soon she'll learn how to go to the toilet all by herself without worrying about accidents.
Tips and Warnings
- Be aware when your child is amenable to potty-training. The AAP indicates that some of these indicators include if your child doesn't need a diaper change for stretches of two hours or longer or after nap times. As a parent, you may notice regular, predictable bowel movements as well as the behaviors that precede them. Your child can follow simple one-step commands and go to the bathroom and undress independently. She may expresses dissatisfaction at wearing a soiled diaper, ask to wear "big girl" pants or request to use a potty chair or the adult's toilet. The University of Michigan Health System points that girls are potty-trained slightly earlier than boys. The average age at which most female children can toilet independently is 29 months, while most male children are potty-trained by 31 months. Almost 100 percent of children are toilet trained by the age of 3.
- There may be some circumstances in which delaying toilet training is warranted, notes the AAP. These may be before or after a new sibling enters the family, if you've just moved or plan to move soon, or if there has been an illness or death in the immediate family.
Things You'll Need
- Potty chair appropriate for your child's size or a small step stool
- Books or toys
- Training pants
