| Potty training is never easy. And with all the | | | | it’s important to ensure both you and your |
| horror stories so many parents are forced to | | | | child are both emotionally and physically prepared. |
| endure, it’s no wonder many delay the | | | | Potty training is a lot of work. That means you |
| process for as long as possible. The good news is | | | | must be willing to dedicate the time and energy |
| that if you take the necessary preliminary steps, | | | | necessary to get the job done. |
| learning how to potty train your child will be a | | | | Ask yourself these questions before you start to |
| whole lot simpler for both of you. | | | | toilet train your child: |
| To make your child’s transition from | | | | Is my son/daughter ready? |
| diapers to the toilet that much easier, follow | | | | You might be surprised to know most children are |
| these pre-potty training steps: | | | | ready to learn how to toilet train long before their |
| | | | parents are ready to teach them. In fact, children |
| 1. - Avoid pull-ups. Although pull-ups are designed | | | | can begin potty training as early as 18 months. |
| to make potty training easier, they can actually | | | | Am I ready? |
| be quite confusing for a child. Despite the fact | | | | It’s worth repeating that potty training is a |
| that pull-ups enable your child to pull them up and | | | | lot of work. In order for your efforts to be |
| down like real underwear, at the end of the day, | | | | successful you have to have the time and energy |
| they can still have accidents in them. | | | | to do what’s required; namely, be patient |
| What’s more, they make it even more | | | | and consistent at all times. Your attitude is as |
| difficult for you to monitor when your child is | | | | much a determinant of your potty training |
| having an accident. | | | | success as your child’s. |
| 2. - Stop bed-time drinks. Before you start toilet | | | | Daytime and nighttime training? |
| training, do your best to wean your child off | | | | Many parents choose to begin daytime training |
| liquids before bedtime. This will help them to stay | | | | separately from nighttime training. What many |
| dry during the night. | | | | don’t realize is that it’s often easier |
| 3. - Be a role model. Since children learn best by | | | | and less confusing for the child to do both at the |
| example, one great technique is to show your | | | | same time. Be sure you answer these questions |
| child how to use the toilet. Talk to her during the | | | | honestly. The answers will give you great insight |
| process and let her flush the toilet if she is | | | | into your own personal readiness to begin the |
| curious. Otherwise she can simply watch and | | | | potty training process. |
| listen. Potty Training Advice for Parents | | | | Good luck! |
| Before you start the potty training process, | | | | |