Potty train. Is it the right time?

I am thinking to start potty training Arissa..she is 26 months now...is it too early? I used to start potty train my eldest around 30 months..and my son a bit later around 32 months...both were quite late. Thanx to  their 'superbusy mommy'! My girl was fast but my son was a bit lengthy at the process...but it was challenging, tiring, frustrating? along the way *sigh*. Hopefully i can get over it again with Arissa!

According to one of the reaserch, where the results were published in the Journal of Pediatric Urology, period between 24 and 32 months of age as most effective time frame for parents to begin toilet training lessons with their children. Additionally, the timing appeared to matter more than the specific training method used. 

What Expert Says?
Your child must be both physically and emotionally ready for potty train. Most children are ready when they are between 24 and 32 months of age, although every child is different. Toilet training usually becomes a long and frustrating process if you try to start it before your child is ready.

Before children can use the toilet, they must be able to control their bowel and bladder muscles. Some signs of this control are :
1) having bowel movements around the same time each day
2) not having bowel movements at night
3) having a dry diaper after a nap or for at least 2 hours at a time.

Children must also be able to climb, talk, remove clothing, and have mastered other basic motor skills before they can use the toilet by themselves.Most children are physically ready to toilet train before they are emotionally ready. Your child must want to use the toilet and be willing to cooperate with you. He or she may even talk about being a "big boy" or "big girl" and wearing underpants rather than diapers. Training generally does not go well if your child is in the stage where "no" is his or her automatic response to every request.

 
Some Tips to Potty Train...

• Buy clothing that’s easy to remove and make sure you have plenty of spare pants.
• Buy a couple of potties or a special training seat. Get into the habit of taking the potty with you wherever you go (you can buy travel potties).
• Once you start, keep at it. It can be confusing for a child if you put him back into a nappy at night. Instead, buy a mattress protector and keep the potty by his bed. Leave the light on and keep fluids to a minimum before bedtime.
• Create a special sign that means ‘toilet, please’.
• Take him into the toilet with you so he can watch what you do.
• Note the times of day when he usually goes and put him on the potty then. Try to create a routine, e.g. use it first thing in the morning, after lunch and last thing at night.
• Praise him lots when he uses the potty – even if it’s only a dribble!
• When he has an accident put his poo into the potty to show him how it is done. Then take him to the toilet to empty it, let him flush the loo and show him how to wash his hands afterwards.
• Don’t make a big fuss if he has an accident – he will take it as encouragement to do it again.
• Potty tricks – if you’re having difficulty getting your child to sit on the potty, buy a musical or magical one, that sings or lights up and turn it into a game.
• Keep a goody bag so he gets a special treat each time he uses the potty.

How long does it take to potty train? 

A child is considered toilet-trained when he or she knows that it is time to go to the bathroom and is able to climb onto and use the toilet with little help. In a study of children who started training between 24 and 32 months of age, boys were fully trained at an average age of 38 months, while girls were trained slightly earlier, around 36 months.Your child will likely need help with wiping after a bowel movement until age 4 or 5. He or she may also need extra help in unfamiliar bathrooms, such as public restrooms, until about age 5 or 6

What if my child resists?

If your child resists using the toilet, he or she probably isn't ready. Sometimes potty training disruptions or delays are caused by stress or major changes in routine. Also, a child who is doing well with pottty training may suddenly have difficulty for no obvious reason. This is a normal part of potty training. It is best to start or resume potty training when your child is receptive to it and in a stable environment.
Your child's potty training experience should be positive. If it becomes a struggle or a battle of wills, it is best to ease up or stop for a while. Although you may be ready for potty training, your child may not be!

 Whenever you decide to start potty training your child, make sure it’s a good time for you - that you are not stressed and things are settled at home. All children are different so be patient and accept that it may take some time. Using training pants gives your child some control over when he wants to go, and may help encourage him to use the toilet more often. Always praise him lots - even if it's only a dribble! Children also love to flush the toilet and wash their hands with mummy and daddy so this is one way to turn it in to a good routine.

Good luck to me and Arissa!