Potty Training Your Child
Potty training your child could be a big challenge, especially
if it is your firstborn. You may be a little nervous wondering
if you are doing everything correctly to ensure the process goes
as smoothly as possible. Potty training is a natural part of a
child's development and can be made easier just by understanding
factors that indicate your child is ready to begin learning the
task.
One important thing to stay away from is thinking that potty
training has to take place at a specific age. Children develop
different skills at different ages and every child is unique.
Therefore you can not expect your child to lean how to potty
train at the same age your best friend's child learned. Instead
be patient and understanding.
Trying to potty train a child before they are ready could
results in many setbacks. If the child does not understand what
is happening and why you are taking them into the bathroom they
may become discouraged and even afraid of the bathroom. This
could add to the length of time it takes your child to learn how
to use the potty. Therefore, you need to wait until your child
is old enough to understand just what using the potty means.
This would include things like knowing when your child is
beginning to have better control over their bladder because they
or staying dry more often. Also, when they show signs that they
do not like having their pants wet or soiled then you can feel
sure they are beginning to understand and its time to start
potty training. They should also be coordinated enough to be
able to pull their pants up and down. After all, if they cannot
perform this task it would be difficult to use the potty and may
begin to discourage them. You can help in this area by providing
clothing that is easier for the child to remove.
Children are very curious and love to watch what you do, by
allowing them to observe you in the bathroom they will begin to
understand and want to imitate this action. Have a potty chair
ready for your child and explain to them what it is and how to
use it. Keeping a light on in the bathroom can also help
considering most light switches are too high for a child to
reach. If they are spending too much time trying to get the
light on then it may be too late to use the potty. One of the
most important steps in potty training your child would be to
never yell at them for accidents and always let them know you
are proud of them.