You want to start potty training your child and you are not sure if you will succeed. In this case, try to ask yourself the following questions:
Does your child show interest in potty training?
Can your child understand basic directions of going to the toilet?
Is your child uncomfortable in wet or dirty diapers?
Does your child stay dry for a period of 2 to 3 hours during the day?
Does your child show facial expressions when he/she needs to go?
If your answer to the above questions is mostly yes, so it is time for potty training.
The best time to start is summer when your child can go around the garden. Don’t try potty training before 18 months, because the toddlers have no voluntary control over their bowl system and bladder.
Encourage your child to sit on the potty when he/she wakes up, use pull up nappies or pants so your child can feel the difference. Be patient but consistent. Praise and encourage your child every time he sits on the potty. You can make a visible chart and hang it on the bathroom door. Put a smiley face every time your child goes to the potty and give him a small prize when he gets a full row of smiley faces.
Don’t make a drama after accidents. Just clean your child and put him dry clothes. If your child keeps on having accidents, then he/she is not ready. Try again in a few weeks or months when he/she seems more receptive.
Eventually all kids will learn how to use the potty when they are ready. Don’t worry and try not to stress out your child and yourself. Enjoy this stage of their childhood since it is part of growing up.