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Potty Training: Is Your Child Ready?
By Shelly Bokman
Look for these signs:
• follows simple directions
• remains dry for at least 2 hours at a time during the day
• is dry after nap time
• has regular, predictable bowel movements
• walks to and from the bathroom
• pulls down own pants and pulls them up again
• seems uncomfortable with soiled or wet diapers
• has asked to wear underwear
• seems interested in the toilet or potty chair
Helpful Tips (DOs and DON’Ts):
• DO dress your child in clothes that are easy to put on and take off.
• DON’T punish or scold your child for accidents.
• DO change diapers or clean up accidents as soon as possible, and explain the need to stay nice and dry. After awhile your child will want to stay dry.
• DON’T punish kids by keeping them in wet or soiled diapers or clothing. (It does not teach children to use the toilet, and is counter-productive.)
• DO remind kids to use the toilet, but only when they show signs that they need to go.
• DON’T pressure or nag your child to use the toilet. The harder you push, the harder your child may push back!
• DO keep things consistent—and make progress easier for your child—by making sure all caregivers use the same approach and method of toilet training.
• DON’T underestimate the accident-factor: Buy at least two 3-packs of cotton underwear if you’re going that route.
• DO prepare to spend some time in the bathroom with your child.
• But DON’T feel like you have to spend an eternity in there. If your child can’t produce anything after 5 minutes of sitting on the potty, it’s time to try later.
• DO train your child to wash his or her hands after using the potty. (You can sing one or two of their favorite songs while they wash to keep it fun, encourage good habits and keep the house free of cold germs.)
If in doubt your child's teacher or the director will be happy to talk with you.
• follows simple directions
• remains dry for at least 2 hours at a time during the day
• is dry after nap time
• has regular, predictable bowel movements
• walks to and from the bathroom
• pulls down own pants and pulls them up again
• seems uncomfortable with soiled or wet diapers
• has asked to wear underwear
• seems interested in the toilet or potty chair
Helpful Tips (DOs and DON’Ts):
• DO dress your child in clothes that are easy to put on and take off.
• DON’T punish or scold your child for accidents.
• DO change diapers or clean up accidents as soon as possible, and explain the need to stay nice and dry. After awhile your child will want to stay dry.
• DON’T punish kids by keeping them in wet or soiled diapers or clothing. (It does not teach children to use the toilet, and is counter-productive.)
• DO remind kids to use the toilet, but only when they show signs that they need to go.
• DON’T pressure or nag your child to use the toilet. The harder you push, the harder your child may push back!
• DO keep things consistent—and make progress easier for your child—by making sure all caregivers use the same approach and method of toilet training.
• DON’T underestimate the accident-factor: Buy at least two 3-packs of cotton underwear if you’re going that route.
• DO prepare to spend some time in the bathroom with your child.
• But DON’T feel like you have to spend an eternity in there. If your child can’t produce anything after 5 minutes of sitting on the potty, it’s time to try later.
• DO train your child to wash his or her hands after using the potty. (You can sing one or two of their favorite songs while they wash to keep it fun, encourage good habits and keep the house free of cold germs.)
If in doubt your child's teacher or the director will be happy to talk with you.
