How to get the job done

Potty training is a big step for children and parents. The secret of success? Timing and patience.

Is it time?

Potty-training success is based on the physical and emotional preparation, not a specific age. Many children show interest in potty training age 2, but others might not be ready before age 2 1/2 or even more - and there is no emergency. If you start potty training too soon, it could take longer to train your child.

Is your child ready? Ask yourself these questions:

Does your child seem interested in the potty or toilet, or wear underwear?

Your child can understand and follow the basic directions?

Does your child tell you through words, facial expressions or posture when he or she needs to go?

Does your child stay dry for periods of two or more hours during the day?

Does your child complain of wet diapers or dirty?

Your child can pull down his pants and pull them again?

Your child can sit and rise from a chair pot?

If you answered yes most of the time, your child may be ready for potty training. If you answered mostly no, you may want to wait - especially if your child has recently faced or about to face a major change, such as moving house or the arrival of a new sibling. A toddler who opposes potty training today could be open to the idea within months.

Ready, Set, Go!

When you decide it's time to start potty training, put your child up for success. Start by maintaining a positive attitude - and the recruitment of all caregivers for your child to do the same. Then follow these steps.

Shoot equipment

Place a small pot in the bathroom or, first, anywhere your child spends most of his time. Have your child decorate the chair. Encourage your child to sit on the potty chair - with or without a layer. Make sure that your child's feet are firmly on the ground or a stool.

Help your child understand how to talk about the bathroom using simple words, correct. You can empty the contents of a dirty diaper into the potty to show its purpose, or let your child see family members using the toilet.

Schedule breaks pot

If your child is interested, ask him to sit on the potty chair or toilet without a diaper for a few minutes several times a day. For boys, it is often best to control urination sitting, and then move to standing after the formation of the intestine is complete.

Read a book potty-training or giving your child a toy to use while sitting on the potty chair or toilet. Stay with your child when he or she is in the bathroom. Even if your child sits there simply offer praise for trying - and remind your child that he or she can try again later. To maintain consistency, try to bring the potty or portable pot with you when you're away from home with your child.

Go ahead - fast!

When you notice signs that your child may need to use the toilet - as squirming, squatting or holding the genital area - respond quickly. Help your child become familiar with these signals, stop what he or she is doing, and head to the bathroom. Praise your child to tell you when he or she needs to go.

Teach girls to wipe carefully from front to back to prevent bringing germs from the rectum to the vagina or bladder. When it is time to rinse, let your child do the honors. Make sure your child washes his hands afterwards.

Consider incentives

Some children react to stickers or stars on a chart. For others, trips to the park or the extra bedtime stories are effective. Strengthen the effort of your child with verbal praise, such as "How exciting! You get to use the toilet, just like the big kids do!" Be positive even if a trip to the toilet is not successful.

Ditch the layers

After several weeks of successful potty breaks, your child may be ready to exchange layers for a training pants or underwear. Celebrate this transition. Go on a special outing. Let your child choose his underwear. Once your child wear training pants or regular underwear, avoid overalls, belts, shirts or other items that could hinder undress.

Sleep soundly

Most children master control of the first daytime bladder, often within two to three months consistently toilet training. Nap and night training could take months - even years - more. In the meantime, use disposable pants or mattress covers when your child sleeps.

Know when to call it quits

If your child resists using the potty chair or toilet or not getting the hang of it in a few weeks to take a break. Chances are he or she is not ready yet. Try again in a few months
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