When To Potty Train Your Child: 7 Signs That Say NOW!
From the archive. This post was first published on the original Green Eggs and Moms blog and is kept here as it was.
Potty Training Readiness
Constantly trying to figure out when to introduce your child to good old Mr. Potty?
If you’re smart like me, I decided when to potty train my 2-year old on a whim. I had no idea there were factors to consider before the training. Fortunately, he was interested and very compliant. Training him was a breeze.
The 2 biggest indicators of potty training readiness are your child’s physical and emotional maturity.
Here’s the good news: there is no set age on when children should be trained. Why? Because child development varies per kiddo. However, folks at WebMD.com and TrustyGuides.com seem to agree that most are ready from 2-3.
Age alone does not determine when to begin training. Here are other factors to help you assess your child’s readiness.
Signs That Say Your Child Is Ready For Potty Training
PHYSICAL READINESS
1. Can Control Peeing & Pooping
According to TrustGuides.com, children below 2 do not have bladder and rectal muscle control – which is why they need diapers. Past the age of 2 is when they start developing muscle control.
How do you know when your toddler has this? When he…
- Stays dry for a period of 2 hours or more in the daytime
- Follows the same bowel schedule for most days in a week
- Wakes-up dry in the morning – even for a few consecutive days
2. Can Walk Properly
Potty training may require sprinting to the potty. If your child is still wobbly on his feet or resembles someone who has ingested too much alcohol, wait a few more months before getting him ready for the potty party. The last thing you want is an accident all in the name of diaper freedom. It’s not worth it.
3. Can Follow Basic Instructions
Commands such as: open the lid, sit down, close the lid, and pull up your pants make up the potty training process. So, if you bark them out and your child hears them as alien speak, you won’t get anywhere.
4. Has Increased Attention Span
Sitting on the potty for minutes is a cinch if your child actually stays put. But if your precious one has the attention span of a gold-fish, it’s wise to wait a few more months. This way, sitting on the potty will be less of a struggle.
5. Can Undress and Re-Dress His Underwear or Pants
Part of the potty training readiness assessment is whether your child can dress by himself. No potty training can be completed if someone else has to do this for your child.
EMOTIONAL READINESS
6. Is Bothered By Soiled Diapers
It’s easier to teach your child using the potty if he despises the icky feeling that soiled diapers bring. Cleanliness is a great ally, wouldn’t you agree?
7. Potty Interest – How Curiosity Trained The Toddler
Toddlers are determined little folk. Your child will be more receptive to potty training if it’s something he is engaged in. If he has no interest in it whatsoever, it’s best to hold-off on the training.
Pass or Fail?
So how did your child fare?
If he missed 2-3 items, it’s okay. You have just officially figured out when to potty train your child. Let the training commence!
If he missed 4 or more items, let time pass before you reassess him. Do keep in mind that emotional readiness weighs heavier than physical readiness. If your child will be uncooperative, don’t push it. Wait until he is a willing student to ensure smooth sailing.
Did I miss anything? I’d love to hear from you!
Sources:WebMd.Com – Toilet Training – Topic Overview
MayoClinic.com – Potty training: How to get the job done
TrustyGuides.com – When is My Child Ready?
Photo:
Creative Commons from PNASH
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