Determining whether your child is ready to begin potty training is essential for this time in your child's development to be a success. Many parents dread the moment when their toddler begins showing interest in potty training, but being able to recognize the signs and act upon them at the right time will help ease the transition from diaper to toilet.

You as the parent of the child need to determine if some signs are a new discovery or if they are actual readiness for this transition. Many debates arise between the right ages to start training children; the various signs and what they mean and methods of training that will lead to success. One thing I have learnt as a parent of three, if they're not ready it will only lead to frustration for all. But when they are ready, frustration is minimal and potty training is successful within a short period of time.

Following is a guide to recognize signs that your toddler is ready for potty training.

HOW CHILDREN OBSERVE AND LEARN FROM PARENTS

From the moment your child is born he/she has been watching you and learning from your example. They have seen you go to the bathroom of many occasions, most probably sat beside you or helped pass the toilet paper. From a very young age they learn that their parents don't wear diapers but go to a toilet and bathroom.

FIRST WORDS

Some of the first words a toddler will learn are those to do with body motions. They learn the word 'poo' or 'wee', some may know 'diaper' or 'nappy.'

They may begin pointing to their nappy when they have completed a body motion. This is a sign that your toddler is learning what this is and where from inside their body it's coming from.

When your toddler begins telling you 'before' they have done a bowel or bladder movement, in addition of other signs, it may be time to begin toilet training.

REMOVAL OF THE DIAPER

This is one part of a toddlers learning process that many parents dread. Somewhere around the ages of 15 months to two years, toddlers discover how to remove the tabs from their diaper and regardless if it is empty or full, whip it off often.

This is not a sign your child is ready to begin using the potty, as it may only be that they've discovered how to remove it. A culmination of this and other signs will begin to tell you to react.

RECOGNITION AND INTEREST IN THE POTTY OR TOILET

If your toddler begins to recognize the potty or toilet, and happens to motion towards it when they need to go,

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Determining when your child is ready for potty training?
We want to hear your view. Write now!