Written by Neela K. Sethi, M.D. 

Potty training can be an extremely stressful process for the entire family.  The key to any successful training is patience, patience, patience.  Every child potty trains on their own schedule and forcing the situation will only make matters worse.

When should I begin potty training?
The right time depends on YOUR individual child- both physically and emotionally. Children younger than 12 months have little to no bowel/bladder control. Around 18 to 24 months, children often start to show signs of being ready, but some children may not be ready until 30 months or older.  Most importantly, your child must be willing to train, not fighting you or showing excessive fear. If your child consistently resists, it is recommended to wait for a while.

What signs should I look to let me know that my child is ready to start training?
•    Your child stays dry at least 2 hours at a time during the day or is dry after naps.
•    Bowel movements become regular and predictable.
•    Facial expressions, posture, or words reveal that your child is about to urinate or have a bowel movement.
•    Your child can follow simple instructions.
•    Your child can walk to and from the bathroom and help undress.
•    Your child seems uncomfortable with soiled diapers and wants to be changed.
•    Your child asks to use the toilet or potty chair.

How do I teach my child to use the potty?
•    Find the right potty chair for you child. A potty chair is much less intimidating for a small child as it is closer to the ground and their feet can touch the floor
•    Teach your child to let you know before they need to use the potty. As potty training begins, your child may begin to let you know after a wet or stool diaper.  You should give praise, and then gently ask that next time they tell you before they need to use the restroom.  You may start seeing a pattern of behavior that becomes recognizable when your child is about to have a urine or stool diaper.  You should then begin asking if your child needs to use the potty whenever you see this behavior.  Again, the key is patience and praise when they are successful.
•    Start taking your child directly to the potty consistently. You should begin to take your child directly to the potty before, during, or after a wet or stool diaper.  You should explain to your child exactly what they can expect to happen, and what you want them to accomplish. You may even place a stool directly in the potty chair so that your child may have a visual representation of what should happen. (Difficult, we know!)  Remember, the key is praise, praise, praise.  Give your child lots of positive reinforcement for every attempt made, whether successful or not.
•    Place your child on the potty at regular intervals.  It is important to take your child to the potty chair as often as every one and a half to two hours during the day.  This helps reinforce that the potty is and will remain a regular part of their life.  It also allows for success at the potty, even if it was initiated by you.  You can even talk or read to your child at the potty to help them relax.
•    Let your child pick out their underwear and training diapers. This is a very exciting time for your child. Your child will feel proud that he/she is growing up!  Let them pick their favorite character or design! However, be prepared for “accidents.” It may take weeks, even months, before toilet training is accomplished.

Remember, patience and praise is the key to success.  Again, each child is on their own schedule, but it is your job to support them along the way!

References:
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/toilet/179.html
http://Drgreene.com
American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Family Physicians