When your child begins the process of potty training, you might realize that there are actually seven steps in the process. It begins as soon as you notice the signs of readiness that your child is showing. These signs include:
-Your child showing an interest in the toilet.
-Your child showing the need to use the potty.
-Your child being able to dress and undress themselves.
-Your child is uncomfortable being in a wet diaper.
-Your child is able to stay dry for two hours or more.
-Your child shows an interest in 'big boy' or 'big girl' underwear.
-Your child has regular bowel movements in the day/week.
Once your child shows these signs of readiness, it is time to introduce them to the potty. It is not necessary to force them to use the potty for each urination or bowel movement, however, it would be wise to place them on the toilet for about five minutes a day. This way, they will feel comfortable with being on the toilet when it comes time to actually use it. Soon enough, your child will begin to actually use the potty instead of their diapers. Eventually, they will even be able to use it without your help or the help of any other adults (and without the potty seat).
The last stage of potty training occurs when your child is able to use the toilet when they are away from home, without needing the help of other adults. Some children will go through this process very easily, while others may take a few weeks to complete it. It is important that you are very patient with your child/children and put all of your effort and much dedication into this process so that the results are as good as possible.
Ronald Timmonds has been writing about children and other topics online since 2003. He currently writes about Baby Gift Cards and the Graco Pack And Play. For more information check out his websites.
