Having trouble potty training your toddler? As with anything else, some toddlers are more difficult to potty train than others. Children can be very stubborn and for the most part when they decide to use the potty it is something they can control.

It is unfair to the toddler and it will be very frustrating for both of you if you start potty training before your child is ready. Don’t rely on the age of your sister’s child, her friend’s child, or a child at church for potty training. All children reach milestones at different times and that’s perfectly normal. Children’s potty training ages range from 18 months to 3 years, sometimes a little older. When you recognize that your child knows when he’s about to go potty in his diaper, and likes to hide behind a chair to do so, he’s likely close to being ready for potty training. Other signs are when they tell you that she is changing or trying to remove dirty diapers.

Once you have determined that your child is ready, you need to decide whether he will train on a toddler potty or his regular toilet. The choice is up to you and how your child will do best. You can get seats to put on the toilet to make it more comfortable for a small child as well as steps to facilitate access. If you choose to be anything for potty training, consider bringing your toddler with you to help you choose.

While possible, it is rare for a young child to be accident-free after potty training begins. Don’t get mad and consider asking what happened. Young children often just don’t want to stop what they’re doing to go to the bathroom, and they need to know that’s not acceptable. My son did this for years. It’s also best to potty train when there isn’t much going on in the house; for example, potty training a young child with the arrival of a newborn will be difficult.

Provide a simple reward system for using the potty. Stickers on a calendar for each day they go without accidents, a piece of candy for each successful use of the potty, or a special day to the park after a week without accidents are a few examples. Always remember to encourage your child often, love and praise goes a long way for a young child and any child.