Is it easier to Potty Train your Second Child?

Siblings are a huge asset to the social aspect of potty training.

Little ones learn by example. The more they are immersed in a world of potty-going people, the more they internalize the implicit expectation that this is how it should be done.

Then, it's just a matter of time until they discover that their body works the same way (see article on when to start potty training - more specifically the section on cognitive and motor skills).

Older siblings also provide important motivation. Who doesn't want to be just like a respected older brother?

Young children are watching the people they love with fearless devotion. That desire will expedite potty learning once the physical control is in place.

But you don't have to go out and borrow an older child during the potty training months.

Young children have the uncanny ability to recruit all kinds of interesting people into their potty training world!