Oh The Joys of Potty Training
Having potty trained four children, I can personally attest to the fact that it is truly a joyous and momentous occasion when one actually accomplishes the task. But how does one know that your child is ready for potty training?
Oh, there are definite signs that the little tyke is up to the challenge. In fact, the more signs your toddler gives you that he or she is ready for the big “PT” episode, the less help they will need and the quicker and easier the task will be.
Is your toddler doing a little dance and there isn’t any music playing, at least none that you can hear? Are you finding a trail of clothes from one end of the house to the other- clothes that you personally placed upon your toddler earlier that day? Is your toddler suddenly asking if you or daddy has one of these too?
Maybe your toddler has even progressed to the point of wondering exactly where pee and poo are coming from and asking you questions about what they are. Maybe your toddler has begun to explore his or her own body parts to see exactly what is going on and what it looks like where the sun doesn’t typically shine.
A new favorite pastime of your toddler might be observing the family’s little ball of fluffy fur, also known as the family cat or dog. Watching the family pet go to the potty is a definite sign that a connection has been made and an awareness of bodily functions is developing in your toddler.
Does your toddler attempt to mimic your behavior? Has your lipstick suddenly made its way to your toddler’s face and your shoes to his or her feet? Has your toddler suddenly discovered the desire to eat from a bowl on the floor like the family pet? Once your toddler begins to mimic what you do, take advantage of it. There’s no learning like copycat learning.
All of these behaviors are normal, although embarrassing at times. Curiosity is the way that many of us learn, and it is definitely the way that many children learn. Channel the energy behind it to your advantage. Help and point out to your toddler the clues that he or she needs to go to the potty.
Not every parent is going to notice all of these signs. In fact, many of them may not even register until weeks have passed and a new behavior has emerged. Nonetheless, once these signs begin to show, your toddler is ready to begin the challenge of being potty trained.
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