Checking For Toilet Training Readiness

It is probably with a giddy yet uneasy heart that you begin the process of toilet training your child. You have all the equipment in place; a sturdy child potty seat, a step-up stool, undergarments, books, DVDs on how to potty, a small treat or toy as a reward, as well as balloons and fanfare. But wait a minute, what makes you so sure your child is really ready to be toilet trained? In order to assure the toilet training readiness of your child, it is imperative to speak with her well in advance of the actual start day, so that she understands why going potty in a diaper is no longer okay.

As with any other learning process, first things first. Establish the language that will be used to describe the acts of urination and defecation with your child. It can be anything from formal terminology to "pee" or "poop." Whatever you settle on, make sure everyone, including the grandparents and any extended family know the wording as well, so they can help with toilet training your child.

Begin by allowing your child to see you use the toilet. This teaches her how to potty for herself. If she is curious, have her flush the toilet, though warn her that it makes a loud noise that may be startling. Kids generally learn by imitation, and that even includes getting toilet trained. It is best to have someone who looks like her anatomically to show her what to do.  

There really is no limit to the amount of toilet training information and guidance that new parents can get from family and friends, and of course from websites that can help you assess your child's toilet training readiness. While it may be a messy business, she will be toilet trained before you know it. Just be consistent, patient and supportive during the training, and having treats on hand for a job well done won't hurt either. It is a major milestone in a child's life so make the transition as smooth and stress free as possible.

Related topics about Toilet Training Readiness
When To Toilet Train?
Some children may stubbornly resist toilet training, so you may fall into a rut of advanced progress and then regression. Allow your child to become familiar with the bathroom and her new child potty chair, and understand that it can take many exposures to the potty to get the hang of things. You will know when to toilet train through signs and signals from your child.

Stress Free Girls Toilet Training
Over time and a few accidents and near misses, your daughter will get the hang of going in the potty, and the associated hygienic procedures. Girls toilet training is a simple concept and shouldn't cause you any extreme stress. Simply arm yourself with some underwear, a potty, perhaps some potty books, and a lot of patience.

Boys Toilet Training: The Challenges
With society's egalitarian attitudes, it's hard to admit there may be differences between boys toilet training and training girls to go potty. Many attitudes of the children will be the same in either case, and many processes you use will also be similar. But you need to recognize the differences as well.