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There aren’t any hard or fast rules when it comes to potty training your child. The truth is, you should begin the potty training process when your child is developmentally ready, and when you are ready to do the teaching. The potty training process can certainly be a learning experience for everyone involved, and can help you bond with your child as well. There are some considerations to make when it comes to beginning this process.
There are a number of signs of readiness that your child should show when he or she is ready to begin potty training. Your child should be on a fairly stable and predictable routine, not only in terms of elimination, but eating and sleeping as well. Your child should be able to remain dry after naps and for at least two hours at a time when awake. If your child is capable of following directions and is in a generally cooperative phase, then this is probably a good time for you to begin potty training. Your child should be able to tell you simple expressions like “potty” to indicate when he or she has to use the restroom. Your child should also be able to sit quietly and patiently on the toilet without fidgeting or getting upset.
Your child should be capable of walking to the bathroom and sitting on the toilet on his or her own. If your child cannot climb onto the regular toilet, purchase a training toilet or a stepping stool. If your child is eager to help you change him or her, and is asking to wear pull-ups or underwear in place of diapers, this is a good sign that he or she is ready for potty training. These are all signs of developmental readiness for the learning process associated with potty training.
Above all else, your child should be interested in the performance-reward system associated with potty training. If your child wants to earn rewards through positive actions, and is excited about the process involved, then both you and your child are probably ready for the potty training process.
