Other less-than-ideal times to start potty training are during stressful situations such as when traveling, during the time of a birth of a sibling, or when making other life adjustments for your child such as taking away their bottle or changing from a crib to a bed.

Consider all of these factors when planning to introduce toilet teaching. Sometimes it's better to postpone training until you're certain your child's environment is going to be stable and secure for an extended period of time.

In addition, even though some experts recommend getting started in during the summer months because children wear less clothing, it's not really a good idea to wait if your child is ready.

Of course, teaching your toddler to use the potty isn't an overnight situation since the process will typically take 3 - 6 months, but can take more or less time for some kids.

Although some little ones are able to learn to make it through the night without wetting or soiling themselves (or the bed) as well as use the potty around the same time, it's likely to take another 6 months to one year for them to master staying dry at night.

There are some "systems" available that claim to help you teach your child to use the potty within three days – or less. These systems may help, but the reality is, potty training is a long, learning process that takes total dedication.

And don't forget, children get stressed as well. If you try to potty train a stressed out child, for whatever reason, it's likely to frustrate both of you. Avoid taking this major step in a child's life during these times.

You need to understand that toilet training is a learning process, not a disciplinary process, and a complicated one at that! Your child needs to understand what you want from them -- and then he/she has to learn how to do it.

Along with understanding bodily sensations, getting to the bathroom and getting clothes off, a child must first achieve control by constricting sphincter muscles, and then learn to relax them in order to eliminate. Obviously, there is a lot to learn. Be able to achieve bowel and bladder control is a skill. Fortunately children usually enjoy learning new skills.

Thus mastery of skills usually follows a pattern. First is bowel regularity often followed by bowel control. Conquering daytime bladder control is usually accomplished next, however, for many children this happens simultaneously, and then later (often much later), nighttime bladder control is mastered.
 
Of course, there are children who achieve daytime and nighttime control simultaneously. With the shift to a more relaxed approach to toilet training from the previous generation, children tend to be trained later and more frequently their bowel and bladder functions come under their control at the same time.
 
There are parents who decide to take a more laid-back approach towards toilet training. They let the child go when they want to and if they have an accident, they just gloss over it with little reference. This can work for some, but it's likely to take much longer than traditional toilet training.

If you choose a passive, more relaxed attitude about toilet training, remember that a child still needs to know what's expected of them. You're not necessarily "pushing" your child by providing direction and expectations. Some children really are ready to be trained early, so you're not "pushing" if you're meeting no resistance.

Let their resistance be your guide. Children really do love to learn grown-up behavior, so don't deny them their opportunity, if it fits their readiness.

So, are there ways you can help along the process? You bet!

Go To: Bladder & Bowel Control