by H.B. Corse

Created on: June 16, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Potty training can be one of the most confusing, frustrating and rewarding times in a child's life for parent and child alike. There is never a shortage of advice from friends, family, books and television shows about how and when to potty train your child, but there is one catch. Your child isn't listening to advice. Luckily, there are some simple signs to watch for that hint that a child is ready to begin.

The first sign to look for is mobility. Is she able to get to the bathroom on her own? If she is mobile and can make it to the bathroom when she needs to she has taken the first step in potty training. A successfully potty trained child will need to be able to make it the restroom on their own if necessary to reduce the risk of regression due to frequent accidents.

Another sign she is ready to begin potty training is if wet or dirty diapers begin to bother her. She will tell you she is uncomfortable. The way she tells you may not necessarily come through words depending on her language development, but behavioral clues are just as good. Taking clothes and diapers off and/or becoming irritable right after dirtying her diaper are two very good behavioral clues. She may also indicate that she is going or needs to go by touching or holding herself, doing the "potty dance" or hiding when going. Also she may begin demonstrating an ability to hold her urine or bowel movements. Most frequently this ability is first demonstrated by an unconscious ability to hold it over night developing into a conscious ability with time. The muscle control and desire to hold it is a very strong indicator that she may be ready to start training.

Watch for your child to become interested. This sign may come in a variety of ways, so be careful to pay close attention. If she starts asking about the bathroom, following you into the bathroom, or wanting to watch you use the potty she is curious. Build on this curiosity as soon as possible, and ask her if she wants to try. There is no need to force it, but also don't be afraid to encourage her. She will eventually want to know what all the fuss is about and will need to investigate for herself.

If you child isn't showing any interest it doesn't hurt to make suggestions. Ask her if her diaper feels "yucky." Ask her if she wants to try and sit on the potty. If she says no just let it go and try it at the next opportunity. She will figure it out in her own time. Children naturally go through stages that contribute to successful potty training that are based primarily on physical development of muscles and to a lesser extent cognitive abilities. At what age your child is potty trained is not a reflection of your or your parenting skills, but a reflection of nature.

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