Parents often feel pressured to potty train their children. It seems everyone has an opinion. Our opinion is, it's best to take a relaxed approach. Like many things during the toddler years, potty training is, in part, a test of your patience. No matter how much you want to ditch the diapers, it probably will not happen overnight. In fact, it usually takes weeks or months to master.

Many children are ready to begin toilet training between 2 and 2 and a half years of age. But, behavior is a much better guide than age.

Look for the following signs that your child is ready:
•    Urinates on a regular basis.
•    Stays dry for two to three hours at a time.
•    Is aware that he or she needs to go to urinate or have a bowel movement and tells you.
•    Imitates older siblings and adults and wants to do things by him- or herself.
•    Follows simple directions.
•    Expresses interest in body functions, the potty or underpants. 

When signs indicate your child is ready to begin toilet training, introduce the process in three stages – telling, showing and trying.

Telling
•    Talk about body parts and what they do using language your child can understand.
•    Read books to your child about going to the potty.

Showing
•    Give your child his or her own potty.
•    Take your child into the bathroom with you. Encourage your child to sit on his or her potty with clothes on while you are on the toilet.
•    Have your child practice lowering and raising training pants. Point out “big kid” underpants and talk about how your child will wear them when he or she learns to use the potty.

Trying
•    Have your child try to go once each day at the same time.
•    Introduce underpants during the day and encourage regular visits to the bathroom.
•    Expect accidents and clean them up without blame, anger or punishment.

Make sure you choose a period when you can spend a lot of time with your child. Toilet training takes time. There are books and videos on toilet training you can find at the library or bookstore for additional information. Talk to your child’s doctor if you have concerns.

Marge Friedhoff, RN, MSN, APNP and Margo Kinservik, RN, MSN, APNP, are nurse practitioners in the Gastroenterology Center at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

FAST FACT: Many parents see their child’s ability to master potty training as a reflection on themselves when in reality, your child is the only person who can determine the pace for successful toilet training. The more willing you are to let your child direct the process, the more successful you both will be!