Well this is often one of the most stressful milestones in a parent’s life, but really it needn’t be.  Provided you’re not trying to keep pace with little Johnny down the road who threw off his nappy well before any other child in the neighbourhood, and has since managed to stay dry night and day, then you will be fine. 

The tip is to start at the right time, start too early and it can become a stressful battlefield between you and your child that will only prolong the moment when nappies are thrown away for good.  However, there is no hard and fast rule about what age a child should start potty training, but mostly children will start anywhere between 2 - 4.  However this is only a guide, if your child wants to do something different, then go with that.  The important thing is to watch for the signs that your toddler might be ready to begin potty training and then start.

But just what should you look for:

1. If your child is pulling his/her pants down, this could well be the sign that they are associating wanting to pee or poo with having their pants down.
2. Your child might begin copying what they see you do when you go to bathroom.  They might want to wear pants instead of a nappy.
3. Does your child make any sounds or goes to stand in a particular spot, perhaps a corner of the room, when they are having a bowel movement?
4. A child that can follow simple instructions can sometimes be a child ready to start potty training
5. Does your child have a particular word for poo or wee?
6. Some children will become uncomfortable with a full nappy and soon realise that they don’t actually like it when their nappies are dirty.
7. If your child is having periods of dryness for a few hours, then this could also be a good sign.
8. If your child can articulate to you that they know when they are going to need the toilet, then this too is a sign.

The bottom line is, be alert without being anxious about potty training your toddler.  This is not something you want to approach with any anxiety for fear of passing this onto your child.  If things take longer than you thought they would, then that is not a problem. 

Listen to your child and this little milestone will soon be mastered ready for the next!