Potty Training in a Month

Potty training your child in one month is not unreasonable, as long as there are some signs of readiness and as long as he responds well to the process. Here are some questions that will indicate whether your child is ready to begin this task. Does your child let you know when there is a dirty diaper? Does your child stop for a few minutes during play to have a bowel movement? Is he or she dry for longer periods during the day? Does your child like to imitate lots of more grown up behaviors? Is your child in a calm period, as opposed to those intense periods of negativity common for preschoolers?

For some children, potty training comes easy. They are eager to be big kids. They can be enticed by the promise of some fun new underwear. And growing up in this new way matches their strong desire to assert their autonomy. For others, potty training seems more fearful. They are afraid of the potty or afraid of not living up to your expectations. Or some children may be at the normal developmental phase where saying "no" to your requests is an important way to assert their independence and competence. These kids don't respond well to pressure, and in fact, pressure makes things worse.

It is perfectly fine to use a gummy bear or other treat as a reward, as long as it's given with the adequate amount of positive feedback. "Adequate" is the key word here. When your child is successful, do not overwhelm with your cheers and enthusiastic response. Sometimes if parents get too excited, a child will feel more pressured.

In toilet training, every child moves at his or her own pace. Some do it in a day or a week or a month, and some take much longer. As this needs to be your child's achievement, you will need to cater to his or her pace. Many preschools are aware of this, and will make exceptions, as long as potty training is under way. Watching other children use the potty at school often speeds up the process.