Shine the Light: Potty training Published April 24, 2015 By Traci Bassham, RN New Parent Support Program Nurse TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, OKLAHOMA -- Potty training, toilet learning, and toilet training are all acceptable names for a challenging time for parents. But it's also an exciting time, bringing high hopes for no more diaper-changing. Some children experience difficulty or setbacks with toilet training. Major changes in life, such as moving, a new sibling, a parent's deployment, other stressors, or just resistant behavior can contribute to the difficulty. Parents need to be able to step back from toilet training for a while if their child seems resistant or other issues are present. If a child associates negativity with the process, it can increase resistance and make the whole process more stressful for everyone. It's OK to postpone learning the new skill. Toilet training can be stressful for both child and parent. Children have a natural desire to be independent, but they aren't going to succeed all the time. They may demonstrate resistance some of the time, but may be successful other times. It's important to minimize your reaction to accidents or resistance. It's also important not to force toilet training or punish children when accidents occur. Even if the child seems to have decided to potty in another area other than the toilet, don't over emphasize the occurrence, just wait for another time when you can offer praise for the child's accomplishment. It's important to boost your child's self-esteem by giving positive affirmations for success. If a child isn't ready for toilet training both physically and emotionally, he/she could be set up for failure if you push too hard or too soon. There is no magical age for toilet training. It's important for parents not to succumb to peer pressure -- it doesn't matter when your friend or neighbor's child was potty trained. Children operate on their own individual timetables. Signs that a child may be ready for toilet training include: · Does the child seem interested in the toilet or in wearing underwear? · Can your child communicate (through words, facial expressions or posture) the urge to go? · Can they follow basic instructions? · Can your child stay dry during the day for two hours or longer? · Is your child able to pull down his or her pants and pull them up again? · Can he/she sit on and rise up from a potty chair? If most of the answers are yes, your child might be ready for this new learning experience. If not, it's fine to wait. For more information, visit www.healthychildren .org, which is a great resource not only for toilet training, but also for other growth and development questions. Also try www.mayoclinic.org.