If your child is around the age of 3, then you might contemplate whether or not it's time to get him into preschool. There are a lot of variables that go into a child's - and parent's! - readiness for school. If you're a stay-at-home mom who's ready for a few hours to herself, then preschool offers the perfect opportunity, especially if you feel your child needs more intellectual stimulation. Preschool provides socialization and the opportunity for kids to learn what school might be like, including honing patience, listening skills and exposure to different cultures. If your child isn't potty-trained yet, then check with any schools you're looking into to see if it's a requirement. If not, then ask how they encourage children to use the potty. Sometimes working in concert with preschool teachers on methods of potty training can ensure faster success.
The experience of having other kids around who are toilet-trained models that behavior for your child, which help him get potty trained faster as well - this is when peer pressure is a good thing! Examine how your child reacts to being away from you - if he's not quite there yet, don't fret. Most preschool teachers are willing and able to get him distracted as you leave, and separation anxiety gets better with time. You may have a few months after you apply to get him used to being away from you - try playdates with a sitter in your home or leaving him with a trusted and known friend for an hour or so at a time. Finally, examine your child's communication skills. You and other family members may be able to decipher his gestures and speaking manner, but that doesn't mean others can. Be sure that he can at least indicate his needs by tugging a sleeve, gesturing or articulating his needs with clear speech.