Potty Awareness Month

Potty training is a major milestone. Get the facts on timing, technique and handling the inevitable accidents. Potty training is a big step for kids and parents alike. The secret to success? Patience — perhaps more patience than you ever imagined. Is it time? Potty-training success hinges on physical and emotional readiness, not a specific age. Many kids show interest in potty training by age 2, but others might not be ready until age 2 1/2 or even older — and there's no rush. If you start potty training too early, it might take longer to train your child. Is your child ready? Ask yourself these questions: • Does your child seem interested in the potty chair or toilet, or in wearing underwear? • Can your child understand and follow basic directions? • Does your child tell you through words, facial expressions or posture when he or she needs to go? • Does your child stay dry for periods of two hours or longer during the day? • Does your child complain about wet or dirty diapers? • Can your child pull down his or her pants and pull them up again? • Can your child sit on and rise from a potty chair? If you answered mostly yes, your child might be ready for potty training. If you answered mostly no, you might want to wait awhile — especially if your child has recently faced or is about to face a major change, such as a move or the arrival of a new sibling. A toddler who opposes potty training today might be open to the idea in a few months. Taken from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/potty-training