Toilet Training Readiness Checklist

Physical Readiness

• Toilet training is not going to work if your child is not physically ready to learn. The ability to resist the urge to urinate or defecate does not occur at a particular age. Every child develops differently. The muscles that close off the bladder and bowels need to be mature enough to work under the child̵7;s conscious command. This typically occurs around 18 to 24 months, but may be later in developing.

  According to Dr. Sears of The Doctors television show, the ability to control bodily functions occurs in this order: bowel control during the night, bowel control during the day, then bladder control during the day, and last, bladder control during the night. Some children may wet the bed for a long time after they have mastered daytime dryness because a full bladder may exert too much pressure for the child to control while he sleeps.

Psychological Readiness

• Just as your child must be physically able to begin toilet training, he must be capable mentally. Start toilet training in a calm environment. Trying to teach your child while he is under stress--moving to a new home, having a new baby in the house, death of a grandparent--will be counterproductive. Your child needs to be able to relax and focus on the process. He also needs to express an interest in and a willingness to use the toilet. Most children see toilet training as a step to growing up but others try to hold onto ̶0;being the baby̶1; as long as possible.

  Children are often curious about your trips to the bathroom and what their older brothers and sisters are doing. Take advantage of this natural curiosity and explain the process.Your success will be greatest if you and your child are relaxed and eager to begin a new adventure. If your child comes up to you, soiled diaper in hand, and says, ̶0;Dirty!̶1; you know he is ready to begin toilet training.

Telltale Signs

• Some of the signs that your child is aware of his bodily functions and is ready to start toilet training include the following: he stops what he̵7;s doing and ̶0;zones out̶1; when he feels the urge to go, hides behind something when he feels the internal pressure and pulls at his diaper or looks into it expectantly. He may show interest in the toilet, the potty chair or your bathroom activities. He may also express a desire to wear ̶0;big boy pants̶1; or stay dry for longer and longer periods.

Technique

• According to TV psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw, all you need is a role model, patience, lots of liquid and a motivator. He advocates waiting until your child is around 2 years old and then setting aside a day for the training process. Show him a baby doll that wets, demonstrating how the doll wets into the potty chair, and then ask your child to show the doll how to use the toilet. When the doll succeeds, give the doll a huge party. Tell the child if he can do what the doll did, he will not only get a big party, but he can call his favorite superhero. Get a friend or family member to act as the superhero and lavish the child with praise and attention when he makes the triumphant call.

Tips

• Place a potty chair in all bathrooms for easy access.

  Approach toilet training in a relaxed, positive manner. Offer praise and other prized rewards for any sign of success.

  During toilet training, keep your child well hydrated so he will feel the urge to use the potty.

  If your child has an accident, do not get angry or scold him. Simply change him into dry underwear and take him back to the potty several times to reinforce the idea that this is where potty goes.