Many parents ask me what signs indicate their toddler is ready to potty train;  few parents ask themselves, "am I ready"?

 

In my opinion, your readiness is equally as important as your child's.

 

I suggest that you pick a block of time when you are not stressed (if you can find one of those times), and can be patient with your toddler.  In essence, you don't want to be prone to melt downs during this huge transition in your child's life.  You want to be able to stay positive during her successful and not so successful moments.    Expect that accidents will happen and that you will truly have to breathe a few times in order to avoid showing frustration!  Also, be sure you are not going on any family vacations during that time period or that your typical family rhythm will be out of wack in any way.  It takes around thirty days to potty train your toddler;  if you are ready, she is ready, and you stay consistent, that is.  Consistency is key!

 

So about consistency . . . .If your toddler is in a preschool and/or has a babysitter, you will need to work as a team so that she won't get confused.  In other words, all the primary caretakers need to be on the same page during this major milestone!

 

Otherwise, you may set up a dragged out and frustrating experience for all of you.

 

So, here is a  short checklist to be sure YOU are ready!

 

 - Are you clear if your child is developmentally ready to potty train?  ( next post will be on this topic, by the way)

 

 - Do you know your toddler's rhythm for "peeing and pooping"?   This will help you immensely in the process, so that you can be pro-active in getting them to the potty.  In general, you will want to take your toddler to the potty after each meal and drink, at first.

 

- Have you read up on a potty training method you want to use?  Or, have you spoken to several mom's you trust for valuable insights on the topic?  It's important to have a plan nailed down before you begin, so that you are confident!  Much like a "birth plan", writing down your "potty training plan" will help guide you along the way-----however, remember, as was the case with the birth plan, flexibility is key.

 

- Do you have a plan for nap time and night time?  For the first several months, I recommend using a pull up or diaper during sleep time and then tackling this hurdle after they are otherwise "trained".

 

- Have you read any books to your toddler on the topic to get them mentally prepared?  There are some fabulous ones out there and my favorite continues to be "Once Upon a Potty" by Alona Frankel.

 

- Are you clear what you are going to call "it" with your toddler?  Pee and Poop or  ????  My mother used the word "tinkle and movement".  These are words we never forget I guess!