Time is running out for some parents of toddlers, to wit: if the child isn’t potty trained by September, preschool enrollment will usually (likely) be in jeopardy.


Parents will customarily feel pressured to have their children potty trained by at least the age of 3, and adding to the pressure, many preschools will insist they be thoroughly potty trained as a condition of continued enrollment.

If you’re in toilet training mode this summer, try these simple tips:

* Wait until your child shows an interest in toilet training first.

* Dress your child in easily removed clothes.

* Keep in mind flushing the toilet can be alternately fun or unbelievably scary.

* Bowel movement training comes after bladder training.

* When starting out, suggestions will work better than demands.

* Nighttime dryness will take some time, it is not indicative of a bed wetting problem.

On the other hand what you may wish to avoid doing:

* Don’t rush it. Most children are not ready before age 2.

* Initially, don’t punish or scold your child for having accidents, use your judgement prudently here.

* Please don’t make the child sit for long periods of time, again use your own judgement (if you find yourself nodding off—it’s too long).

* Don’t keep your child in wet clothes for overly long periods, they will get a rash.

* Don’t get upset if (when) they take a step backward, it’s a normal and expected part of the process.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites