Toilet training is the procedure of teaching a child to control their bladder and bowel and simply the practice of toilet using. It is under this training where the child is taught on how to remove his clothes, sit on the toilet bowl to urinate or defecate. This is sometimes called potty training or toilet learning.

Potty Training Description
Usually in India, approximately at the age of two, children learn bowel control first before bladder control or the reverse way. The child’s bowel or bladder control is mostly done in the morning than in the evening. Experts suggested that potty training should only be initiated when your child is already showing certain signs of readiness which is visible in the ages of two to three years old. There are signs when they already exhibiting attitudes of controlling their bowel or bladder.

The child is ready for potty training when:

• They may become quite suddenly or may show postures of defecating or urinating.
• they utter family practiced words for urinating or defecating
• they begin to feel uncomfortable with wet diapers
• they can pull their pants up or down
• they signal when their diaper is wet

• Use praise or motivators when training your child.
• Let your child wear comfortable potty training pants so that they would not compromise on pulling them down for potty use. This is just optional. Some children are not comfortable with potty training pants.
• Use small rewards for their training such as small toys and treats but do not spoil them by using weekly reward charts.
• Teach your child to inform you when they want to urinate or defecate.
• Be patient and considerable. Children are sensitive and emotional.
• Avoid punishments when they commit mistakes. This may irritate them.
• Do not force your child to sit on the toilet bowl against his will. Learning is a step by step process. You may use potty chairs instead. It is more comfortable for him than forcing him to learn the purpose of toilet bowl.
• If your child is so eager to manage himself in the toilet just let him do it but along with your presence to eliminate accidents.

Since every child is different, the ideal period of potty training would be 3-6 months but it would take a longer time to teach your child to use the toilet during night time. You must be supportive and patient enough to be successful. Children progresses with their own rate.

Potty training enhances your child’s independence. This will help them stand alone on their own on small things. Some observations are not forgotten during early childhood and so with traumatic experiences. Patience however, is one of the most important factors in potty training especially on stool soiling incidents where they leak feces accidentally on their underwear. You cannot treat your child according to your level of thinking. If you do, they might feel insecure and futile.

During potty training session, some things need keen observation. This includes tor child’s bowel movement frequency. If abnormal bowel movements occur, immediate attention should follow up. Accurate monitor and observation should be done always.

When everything is ready for potty training, some experts suggested the following ideas for a better and hygienic style.

1. You may keep a toilet diary for your child.
This will help a lot to record the bowel movements of your child.

2. Let your child try sitting on the bowl or foot stool.
It will let your child know the necessity of using the toilet bowl.

3. Always clean and disinfect the toilet bowl.
Your child may be infected while using the toilet bowl.

4. Be watchful when your child uses the toilet bowl.
Children are always tempted to play water. This is to avoid minor accidents.

5. Let your child know the function of soap after using the toilet.
This is not applicable for every child. It must be done with guidance and adult supervision.
The training your toddler is about to have is a complicated task for both of you. As parents, train your child with all your patience and love. Focus your understanding on your child’s side. Anyway, the potty training is not a lifetime course. It is only a part of your responsibilities.