6 signs that will let you know that your child can go to the bathroom alone

Not sure your child is ready to go potty? Let's discover together the emotional and physical signs key to keep in mind.

When it's time to potty train it can be stressful for both young children and parents. But it can also be a really positive and rewarding experience. A toddler's level of interest is a key indicator of readiness.

One thing you can't control is when your child goes to the bathroom. Therefore, make sure your toddler is ready to take control of this part of your development. Potty training is extremely stressful for parents, so remember to do breathing exercises when you feel frustrated about not being able to control the situation. Things don't usually go the first time or the way you would like them to.

El Dr Fran Walfish, a Beverly Hills relationship and family psychotherapist, author of The Self-Aware Parent , a child psychologist, a regular expert in The Doctors, CBS TV, and WE tv co-star, warns that «The most important thing is to have a correct attitude. You are there to guide and praise their every advance towards their independence, but not to pressure or force«.

Has developed an awareness of bodily sensations

Once children have developed a sense of awareness around their bodily sensations, they will know when they need to go to the bathroom. You must help the little one to learn to listen to his body, when his body asks him to go to the bathroom. At first, when they begin to learn to go to the bathroom, they may not have time to get to the bathroom. You must be prepared for accidents and keep in mind that you will have to clean more than once. It is normal and very common. You should teach him to listen to his body so that he has time to get to the bathroom.

Stays dry longer

Once your child can maintain the diaper dry for more than 2 hours or more, you may be ready. The ability to keep the diaper dry for extended periods is a good indicator that your child's body is maturing and has control over when to relieve himself. At this time it is good to educate the child to go to the bathroom every two hours.

Curiosity and interest

One sign that your child is ready to begin potty training is that be interested in the potty. He may follow you to the bathroom, or put his toys on the potty, or start asking to use or ask questions about the potty. Elisa Cinelli, an expert in parenting, assures that the best way for the little one to learn is when he takes an interest in him. It's best to let her go to the bathroom with you, put the potty close to you so she can imitate you, and let the potty always be accessible so she knows she can use it whenever she wants.

As a parent, you may feel self-conscious about having company in the bathroom, but children learn through observation. Allow them to see you use the bathroom will awaken a level of curiosity and interest which will lead to the desire to try it out on your own. Once the ball starts rolling, you can keep your child interested by creating a routine, providing him with an appropriately sized potty, and even letting him help you choose his own underwear as an incentive.

Don't be afraid of the potty

There can be many fears around potty use. Some common fears are the falls and the fact of having to remove the poop. While it may seem silly, many children, particularly boys, can get scared and / or sad when they have to throw the poop. It is recommended that they pee sitting down, even if they are children. If a child is sitting to urinate, poop can come out naturally.

If you notice that your child is afraid to poop on the potty, force it can cause constipation or fear irrational. Allow him to defecate in his diaper but encourage him to continue in the bathroom.

Let your child help you pull the chain so they feel a sense of control and anticipation of the loud sound.

Has the necessary physical motor skills

A child should be able pull up / drop pants and getting on and off the potty when first potty training.

You can follow simple instructions

Some examples of instructions consist of take off your clothes and then get on the toilet. Let it sit for a few minutes to make sure it's finished and then it cleans up well. Obviously, you can help your young child with many of these steps, but he must be aware of the instructions that he must follow at any time.