May 7, 2010, Newsletter Issue #361: Having Patience with yourself

Tip of the Week

When it's time for children to potty train, it can be joyous. Of course, when a child decides it time and when a parent decides it can be quite different timing.
This is only complicated by family member's input, preschool or day-care qualifications, and other parent's input of when their child got out of diapers. Being at a parenting group and having all the other parents give you the stink eye because your  2 1/2 year old isn't
The biggest thing you can do is be patient. Your child isn't going to prom in a diaper, so if they aren't potty trained by the age of two, don't worry.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_ToiletTrain.htm),
many children show signs they are ready to be potty trained between the ages of 18 to 24 months and most children are completely potty trained between the ages of 3-4 years old. This is when their bodies are physically able to control bowel and bladder. This is for daytime only. Even though a child is potty trained during the day, nightime wetting may not be accomplished until the child is five or even older. 
Understand, a child will be ready when they are ready. A parent shouldn't freak out or use potty training as a form of punishment. There are many books out there to help a parent understand different methods and techniques, but the biggest things a parent can do to help a child is patience and consistency.
Once a child shows signs of being ready to potty train, then pick a method and stick with it for at least a week or more. Allow good and bad days and know the child will get it. They are figuring out their bodies as much as you are.

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