| Parents are scrambling to beat the potty-training | | | | movement. |
| clock. It's a huge problem and it always comes | | | | If at least eight of these signs apply to your child, |
| down to this time of year with most preschools | | | | he or she's ready. If five to seven apply, revisit |
| getting under way by mid-September. | | | | your child's readiness in a month. If four or fewer |
| Combine that with the fact that, according to the | | | | apply, wait a few months. |
| Children's Hospital Guide to Your Child's Health and | | | | On the other hand, here are four reasons that |
| Development, 40 percent of 3-year-olds still use | | | | now isn't the right time to potty-train a child: |
| diapers, and the rush is on. But how can you tell | | | | * You've recently moved into a new home. Give |
| whether a child is ready? | | | | your child at least a few months to adjust to the |
| * He/She relates to and imitates older children. | | | | new environment. |
| * He/She can safely walk to and from the toilet. | | | | * You're going to or have recently expanded your |
| * He's/She's starting to understand where his | | | | family. This includes giving birth, adopting and |
| toys and other possessions belong. | | | | blending families. Toddlers need a lot of positive |
| * He's/She's saying "no" and responding negatively | | | | attention during such a transition, and learning new |
| less often. | | | | skills can be too challenging if they feel stress |
| * He's/She's interested in trying to do things "by | | | | about this kind of change. |
| him or herself." | | | | * You're going through a significant family loss, |
| * He/She knows that some of his/her peers are | | | | such as divorce or the death of a family member |
| potty-trained. | | | | or a pet. |
| * He/She understands the meanings of using the | | | | * You've recently changed child-care providers or |
| potty and no more diapers and can discuss the | | | | kindergarten teachers. Wait until you see the |
| subject. | | | | child's comfort level with the new teacher or |
| * His/Her diaper is staying dry for longer. | | | | situation increase before embarking on toilet |
| * He/She frequently wakes up with a dry diaper. | | | | training. |
| * He/She stops playing to squat for a bowel | | | | |