Signs a Child is Ready to Toilet Train

The toilet training mile stone is one of the most sought after skills by parents; no one likes changing diapers. It can be hard to know when a child is ready to toilet train, there are a few signs to look for and tips to help them get more interested in the mysterious potty.

The Common Signs

The first sign to look for in a child is that the child realizes they are making urine or a bowel movement. To explain, many children will actually find a favorite position for standing or crouching while making a movement or may actually tell the parent, I made pee or I made poop.

To encourage this behavior parents can ask the child, when the parent notices the child is going to the bathroom in their diaper, to ask the child if they are "making pee" or whatever words the parents want to use. This will teach the child to communicate to the parents that they need to use the toilet.

This is an important step in getting a child ready to toilet train because if the child can't communicate their need to use the toilet they aren't ready to use the toilet. Helping the child learn to tell the parents or a care giver that they need the toilet is a good start.

Another sign that a child is ready to toilet train is when they begin removing their own diapers. Many children will begin to remove their own diapers after they have soiled it or go to a parent and ask to have the diaper taken off. The fact that they don't like the feel of a wet or dirty diaper is an excellent sign the child is ready to toilet train.

To encourage this behavior, the parent can try to "make a big deal" about every soiled diaper; saying things like "eww that is one wet diaper" or "yuck! That is a stinky diaper" can help the child understand that they don't want to wear a soiled diaper.

Many children can be scared of the toilet at first, it is a good idea to let the child see their parents and siblings use the toilet, any time the child cares to come in, so they can see that there is no reason to be afraid. Also it can help them understand that the sounds that happen on the potty happen to everyone, this can also help them to be less scared.

Children want to emulate their parents and siblings, allowing a child that is starting to show they are ready to toilet train sit in on professionals, can help them feel more confident when it's their turn.

Knowing when a child is ready to toilet train is the first step in the process. Some children potty train in a matter of days and other children take the better part of a year, it will all depend on the individuals temperament, attitude, and personality.