Plan for distractions that will keep him or her comfortable on the potty chair. For example, reading a story to your child may help keep him or her interested. Before you begin toilet training, have your child examined by his or her health care provider. During your child's check-up, talk with the health care provider about the child's developmental readiness and temperament. Your health care provider can help you determine whether your child is ready to begin toilet training and help you plan your approach.
Timing is important.
Toilet training should not be started when the child is feeling ill or when the child is experiencing any major life changes such as moving, new siblings, new school, or new child-care situation. If your child is feeling too pressured to toilet train or if the process is too stressful, he or she may begin to withhold urine or stool. Try not to feel pressured to toilet train your child. If you are feeling pressured to train your child because of caregiver considerations or family members' views, your anxiety about toilet training can create anxiety in your child. Remember to reinforce your child's success at each step.