When to Start Potty Training

There is always a lot of suggestions to parents on "when to start potty training," but in my opinion only the parent, the child's nanny or day care can be sure when this process should begin.

The reason for saying this is these are the people who spend more time with the child than the outsider who wants to advise you base on his or her experience.

Each child is different and while one child might show signs earlier than the other you should only introduce potty training when you think the child is ready.

In my experience with my two children, (boy and girl) different techniques had to be used when introducing them to potty training.

Experts recommend that boys should be taught to sit on the potty when urinating and also when having a bowel movement.

We used a different method to potty train our son because we allowed him to emulate his dad through the urination process.

Each parent can decide what she thinks is easier for her and the toddler.

My son began to show signs of readiness from about 2 1/2 years old while my daughter started around 18 months.

Family members and friends advised me when to start potty training my son. We listened to everyone but only introduced the techniques when I thought he was ready.

We did the same thing when we were ready to potty train our daughter. We introduced the techniques when we thought she was ready.

Some questions to ask yourself about your child before potty training:

Does your child have predictable bowel movements?

Does your child stay dry for long periods?

Does your child take off his diaper when it is wet or dirty?

Is your child interested in the toilet or wearing underwear?

After sleeping through the night, is your child waking up dry?

It is important you recognized at least some of these signs when you start potty training.

Parents are very happy when they have recognized signs that indicate that their child is ready to potty train.

They know the time is coming when they no longer have to purchase diapers and the child is approaching an important milestone in its life.

Although you are happy, this process can be frustrating for you and your toddler.

There has to be lots of patience and determination. If you show frustration the process will take much longer than it should.

It can also have a negative impact on your child. He may not want to see the potty because it is making Mommy upset and you don't want this to happen.