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Toilet Train a Toddler
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Step 1:
Recognize readiness
So how do you know your child is ready to learn? It can happen anytime between 18 and 48 months of age, but occurs most commonly around 24 to 30 months.
Physical readiness. Children can't physically control their bladders and sphincters before they're at least 18 months old, so there's no point in starting earlier. Your child may be physically ready if he or she is:
Dry for more than 2 hours during the day, or often dry after a nap
Producing regular and well-formed bowel movements
Signaling with posture, expression, or language that he or she is urinating or defecating (scrunching up the face, squatting, momentarily stopping play)
Able to walk to the bathroom and raise and lower his or her pants
Psychological readiness. Your child may be psychologically ready if he or she:
Is able to follow simple instructions
Wants diapers changed promptly
Has words for urine and bowel movements (and the acts of producing them) and for diapers
Shows interest in using the toilet or potty, or asks to use it
Shows interest in your toilet habits
Asks to wear "grownup" underwear
Observe and discuss. Before they learn to use the toilet, toddlers must recognize the signs that urination or a bowel movement is coming--and that a wet, heavy diaper is the consequence. When you see signs the child is going potty, point it out. Use neutral language, such as "I noticed just now you were going potty. Did you notice that, too?" This helps make the child aware of the process rather than ashamed of it.
When you change dirty diapers, encourage the child to tell you in advance the next time he or she is about to go. It can take a while, depending on his or her readiness, before the child learns to recognize toilet events before they happen--so be patient.
False starts. Sometimes kids display readiness, but resist when you start the training. This often happens after a family stress, like moving or a new baby's arrival. Don't force the issue, but try again when you see renewed signs of readiness.
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