To make potty training as smooth a process as possible for you and your 2-year-old, take a moment to learn about not only what works, but what doesn't:

Starting too soon

Starting potty training before your 2-year-old is ready will only make it more difficult and prolong the process. There's no magic time when it's right to begin — some kids have the necessary physical and cognitive skills between 18 and 24 months, while others aren't ready until age 4. Keep an eye out for physical, cognitive, and behavioral signs that your child is set to give it a try.


Starting at the wrong time

It's not a good idea to begin training a week before the new baby is due, when you're changing caregivers, or during any other disruptive time in your 2-year-old's life. Young children are creatures of routine, and any changes to the usual program are likely to cause setbacks. So wait until things have settled down before you start.

Putting on the pressure



Following your mother-in-law's timetable

It will get harder each week, but no matter how many times you hear your parents, your in-laws, or someone else from an earlier generation tell you that you should hurry up and start training, let it roll off your back.

Toilet training methods have changed a lot in the last 40 years, and what was standard practice when you were a child is no longer the norm. These days it's typical to wait for signals your child is ready rather than impose a scehdule of your own. And research suggests children can't voluntarily control the muscles for their bladder and rectum until they're at least 18 months old.

So if you hear any more stories about Cousin Jim's son who was trained by his first birthday, smile, nod, and say, "We have a plan. We're not worried about it." Swap stories and advice about potty training with other parents in the BabyCenter Community.

Punishing your child
