Originally Posted by aeh
There's no real physiological basis for mandating that they train before three...it's more a question of convenience to the family system and our cultural expectations, so why invent reasons for imposing stress on parent and child?

There is a physiological justification for potty training girls as early as practicable, because larger child = larger bowel movements = increased risk of UTIs.

Our experience was that potty training, rather than imposing any, relieved stress on all parties. I certainly did not agree with my DW at the time, but experience has proven that in our DD's unique case, she was 100% correct. DD was developmentally ready to potty train, so why kick the can down the road?