On average, children are potty trained around two and a half years old during the day and around three years old at night. However, every child is different, and you must let your child develop at their own pace. So, how do you know when the time is right? Simply observe your child!
obvious signal
Whether your child is 18 months, two years, or older, you can start trying to potty train them when they show signs of wanting to be potty-trained: for example, trying to pull out their diaper, crying during changes, or complaining when their diaper is full. Pay attention to their expressions: usually, potty-trained children will express themselves in some way (gestures, postures, or words) before needing to urinate or defecate. At this point, quickly put them on the potty. If the child sits willingly and successfully urinates or defecates, it means they are progressing well! Conversely, if they cry when they see the potty, or frequently sit on it but do nothing, it's too early; try again in a few weeks.
Not too early, not too late.
If a child is too young, expecting them to stop wearing diapers is futile; they simply cannot resist until they can control their sphincter muscles. On the other hand, if a child has expressed a desire to stop wearing diapers, but continues to do so for convenience, it may hinder their desire to grow, leading to regression and a reliance on the "diaper baby" role, making the diaper-breaking process even more difficult.
Step by step
While some children can be potty trained overnight, most learn gradually. Once your child is no longer wearing diapers, maintain patience and a positive attitude, even if accidents happen occasionally: never get angry or put pressure on them, as this will upset them. Summer is an ideal time to potty train: children can wear fewer clothes, and cleaning up minor accidents is easier.
It's dry during the day...but what about at night?
Typically, bedwetting at night takes a few months longer than during the day. Once the child is no longer uncooperative during the day, you can try letting them nap without a diaper: they are likely to be able to hold it. As for nighttime, observe the morning diaper: if it is consistently dry, you can try letting them go without a diaper at night. However, it's important to note that the child may still need bedwetting for a period of time at night, which is not a problem: bedwetting is only considered enuresis after age five, in which case you should consult a pediatrician.
The deadline for "enrollment"
If your child is about to start school but hasn't stopped wearing diapers yet, don't panic. Peer role models and a desire to fit in often have amazing effects, and many children successfully stop wearing diapers by the time they start school. Also, occasional mishaps are normal in the first few weeks of school: the teacher might ask you to keep a change of clothes in your bag just in case. In any case, never scold your child; this will only complicate the situation. Tolerance, trust, and encouragement are the best ways to help your child grow up happily.
