As a professional potty training consultant, I am often asked, "what is the best age to potty train?" This can be a challenging question to answer, mainly because each family and child is so unique.
I think that instead of asking what is the best age to potty train, we should be asking what is the best time to potty train. I view these two things differently, and they are likely different for each child. So, to determine the best time to potty train, think of the following factors:
- Communication – You do not want to begin potty training unless your child can communicate to you in some way, either verbally or physically, that they need to go potty.
- Eagerness – You will find at some point that your child shows particular interest in learning the everyday things that you do, and they will start to mimic you. Introduce them to the potty, show them how it works. Children’s brains are like sponges, they will retain all that information for future use.
- Body awareness – Your child may go through a period when he is interested in his body or yours. He may even start to indicate that he has a wet or dirty diaper. If your child doesn’t do this yet, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start potty training, but if he is doing it, by all means start now!
These indicators usually present themselves between the ages of 18 and 30 months. It has been scientifically proven that a child is physiologically ready to potty train at 18 months. This means their brains can handle the concept and their bodies can execute it. Once you surpass the 30-month mark, children become more independent, defiant and stubborn. They become their own little people – which while amazing, can be very dangerous for trying to introduce such a big change. This makes the “just wait until they’re ready” approach that we hear all too often a tricky line to walk. Really, the longer we wait, the more difficult we make it for ourselves. From what little research there is, there is no proof that earlier potty training has any negative effect.
Now, I’m not necessarily saying the “wait until they’re ready” approach is bad for all families. As a parent, you know your child best. But don’t go that route because you feel guilty about taking control over potty training. Just because you initiate the process, it doesn’t mean it is going to be a bad experience. If anything, it can be a great bonding event! And if you time it right, it can be much quicker and easier than waiting for your child to say, “I don’t want to wear diapers anymore,” which, let’s be honest, there is no guarantee that will ever happen. That being said, it is almost more important to make sure YOU are ready and prepared as your child’s teacher which will further ensure success.
Here are some tips to make the task of potty training a little less intimidating:
- Introduce the potty as early as you can. If your child is used to seeing and/or sitting on the potty, there will be much less resistance and apprehension when it comes times to potty train.
- Keep a positive attitude. Be patient and don’t show frustration. Your child is going to feed off of your energy. If you are stressed, your child will be stressed. Instead, you want him to feel empowered, proud, and in control.
- Fully commit! Once you decide to ditch the diapers, there can be no going back. You will only confuse your child and possibly make him feel like you don’t trust him to use the potty.
- Create a support system for yourself and your child. Surround yourself with positive people that can provide encouragement and reassurance without pushing their own advice or agenda on you.
- Have a plan well before you start. Being prepared almost always guarantees success. (Be sure to check out my new online course – Potty Training Doesn’t Have to Stink: How to ditch the diapers and love life doing it! www.pottytrainingconsultant.com/online-course
So, not only will potty training earlier save you hundreds of dollars in diapers, but most importantly, you will save (at least some of) your sanity. Chances are your little one is just waiting for you to take the lead and teach them this new lifelong skill.
Good luck and happy pottying!
About the Author
Allison Jandu is a professional consultant who assists families with one of childhood’s most important, yet daunting, milestones - potty training.
Allison has helped countless children of all ages and abilities. Her custom potty training plans are based on building independence and empowerment and she thrives on seeing children succeed. She has made it her personal mission to revolutionize the way we think about potty training as a society.
Allison is also a mother herself, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Baltimore. She has written internationally accredited continued education training for childcare professionals and two highly-praised potty training guides: The Poop Puzzle and The Wee Hours.
www.pottytrainingconsultant.com
pottytrainingconsultant@gmail.com
