Determining when your child is ready for potty training is not quite as difficult as it sounds. Even without a lot of time on your hands, like language development or learning to walk, children will naturally evolve into potty readiness. The trick is to be aware of, and on the look out for, the developmental telltale signs that a toddler is ready to be trained.

Waiting until you notice these signs, will make potty training much easier to achieve than if you were to force the issue before your child is physically and cognitively ready. Waiting will also alleviate some of the stress and guilt often associated with the whole process. You will not have to worry about going by someone else's idea on when children should be potty trained. Instead, you will know when your own child is ready, regardless of age, by familiarizing yourself with the following signs:

~ Can Communicate Discomfort ~

Your toddler can communicate to you that his or her diaper needs to be changed. This does not necessarily need to be verbal communication; although, by the age of potty readiness toddlers can usually express themselves with simple one, two and three word sentences. An example of a non-verbal cue is when toddlers try to take off their own diaper because it is soiled or wet.

~ Understands What the Potty Is Used For ~

Cognitively, in addition to communicating their need to go to the bathroom, toddlers are ready when they show an interest and understanding of the potty concept. Initially, even before you want to begin potty training in earnest, it is a good idea to casually expose your toddler to the potty. You can do this by simply having one situated in the bathroom. There should be no pressure at this early stage. Positively encourage your little one to sit on the potty, but do not force the issue. The main goal during this preliminary time is to make your child aware of the potty.

Once the potty is an established fixture in the bathroom, take note of when your toddler begins to show potty comprehension. Indications of this milestone cognition include sitting on the potty independently, pulling on the toilet paper roll or saying words related to the bathroom such as "potty," "me go pee," or "I gotta go."

~ Control Over Bodily Functions ~

When toddlers are able to tell you they have to go to the bathroom before they actually go, this is another good sign. It demonstrates that with a little practice and parental guidance they are developmentally and physically ready to learn the self control necessary for using the toilet.

~ Advancement of Fine Motor Skills ~

When young children begin to show some mastery over their fine motor skills, this is a further indication of potty readiness. For example, when children are able to fully or partially undress, this is classic sign that they are ready to use the toilet on their own.

~ Improved Regularity ~

* Longer periods of time pass between wet diapers and there is more urine output at one go, rather than little trickles throughout the day.

* You notice your toddler waking up from naps with a dry diaper.

* Bowel movements seem to be happening with some regularity and not during the night.

Through knowing your child, having a basic awareness of the developmental stages, and recognizing the signs of potty readiness you can determine for yourself when your toddler is ready for the potty. By waiting until the time is right, even busy parents can, with minimal effort, teach their toddlers to use the toilet within a relatively short period of time.

Learn more about this author, Rachel Howells.
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