Toilet training is a big transition for families. Not only are you getting rid of diapers, but you are also acknowledging the growing independence of your young child. For many children, toilet training coincides with the beginning of preschool and some time away from their primary caregiver. This natural part of the development process, however, can misfire if not handled correctly.
Time Frame
While each child differs, most children potty train at about 2 1/2 years. Some children train earlier, others later. It requires a complex melding of emotional development and physical development for a child to be ready to use the toilet.
Considerations
A child is ready to toilet train when her development shows several key signs. First, she needs to have the muscle control to stop her urine or bowel to reach the toilet. She also needs to have the fine motor skills necessary to remove her clothing. Next, she needs to have the communication skills to tell you that she needs to go. Last, she needs the emotional maturity to feel satisfaction in completing a task competently.
Theories/Speculation
Some experts and cultures declare that a child of 18 months should be toilet trained, others suggest that age 2 is ideal. Toilet training is as individual as the child, however. Up until age 2, a child doesn't have the necessary muscle control to begin toilet training. The best approach is to watch for signs of readiness. See if a child is curious about what you do in the bathroom. Note if the child seeks privacy before filling his diaper. Check his diaper and see if it's dry for two or three hours. If these signs are emerging, it might be time to start pulling out a potty to see if your child will use it.
Process
Once a child is developmentally ready, toilet training can begin in earnest. Most typically, a normally developed child follows a specific process. First, he notes and controls his need to defecate during the day and then during the night as well. The next stage is communicating the need to urinate during the day. Controlling urine flow at night is the latest stage and the one that many children master well after they are trained during the day, notes MentalHelp.net.
Warning
Pushing a child to toilet train before she is ready can cause the process to be significantly delayed, notes Babycenter expert Dr. Sarah Pearson. Start when she's shown signs of a physical ability to control her muscles, an emotional ability to take pride in her accomplishment and a cognitive ability to recognize and communicate her need to go. The earlier you start, the longer the process will take if a child is not truly ready.
