I am trying to potty train my daughter. She is 20 months old. Any suggestions?
Answers:
I have 4 children of my own plus I have provided daycare in my home for 50 children over the last 20 years. So, I have potty-trained a lot of kids. Unless your daughter is very motivated because of an extreme dislike of wet or poopy diapers, you will probably not have much success at training her at this young of age. Wait for her to show an interest plus have several physical capabilities in place. Does she wake up dry after nap time? If so, this is a good sign that she can go longer between urination. After a dry nap time is a good first time to try sitting on the potty. Does your daughter have a vocabulary that is developed enough to understand 2 - 3 simple commands in sequence and does she have understandable words for what your family uses as terms for urination and bowel movement? You can begin the idea of potty training simply by letting her watch you use the bathroom. About 2 years old, children become great imitators. If your daughter is putting up any kind of fuss or just doesn't seem to get it or you are getting frustrated, let it go for a couple months and try again. It is my experience that most children are closer to 3 when potty training is most successful. Don't rush into it, she will need to be physically and emotionally ready. Also, approach potty training in a positive manner - praising success and making light of the failures with plenty of encouragement. My youngest, very strong-willed daughter did not potty train until 2 weeks before she turned 5! Then she did it herself and was day and night, pee and poop trained all in one day. Not very normal, but worked for her.
My definition of a potty trained child is a child who tells you that he/she has to go potty in time to make it to the bathroom on a regular basis. Children who wear underwear and stay dry and clean because an adult constantly asks them if they have to go and takes them to the potty are still in the process of becoming potty trained.
She will let you know when she is ready, otherwise you are just putting stress on yourself.
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