| Starting too early will usually result in you spending half of your life sitting in the bathroom waiting for your toddler to use the potty. It's best to begin when they are ready which is somewhere between 20 months and 2 1/2 years old.
Don't start if there are big changes ahead, such as:
#1 – new baby in the family
#2 – move from house or school, parent starting work, etc.
There are signs for potty readiness
Toilet learning is a complex skill which requires awareness, concentration, coordination, muscle control, and split-second timing. Your toddler, sooner or later, will learn to use the toilet. Starting when they are ready will make it much easier for you and your toddler.
The signs are universal – if you can answer yes to them you're ready for the next step. if not, Be patient and give it a little more time.
• Able to stay dry for an hour or two
• Awareness of bodily functions – they look, grunt, comment when they go
• Interest in being clean and dry
• Able to understand and follow simple instructions
• Interest in wearing training pants instead of diapers
• Simple self-dressing
• Interest or curiosity about bathroom habits (it often becomes a preoccupation)
• Make sure you are ready
You will need endless patience, a sense of humor, and plenty of time to spend in the bathroom.
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