When you think you realize that your little angel is ready to graduate to the porcelain thrown is a celebration for all involved including the child, parents, and the family budget. However rushing a milestone of any kind in a child, no matter the benefits can be disastrous and disappointing. So, how do you determine when your child is honestly ready for potty training?

Several cues will inform a parent that their child is ready to become a big kid and step into potty training 101, however none of them involve a birthday; leave age out of the equation.

The first and most important aspect of a child's readiness to potty train is mobility. A child that cannot get to the toilet cannot potty train, period. Unless special circumstances apply to your child's ability to walk (ex/ medical condition) do not attempt to potty train before those tear jerking first steps.

One of the most obvious cues that a child is ready to begin potty training beyond mobility is communication skills. Whether this is verbal or sign once a child can actively inform you that they have gone to the bathroom, or better yet, need to go to the bathroom, you have entered the prelude to potty training. This is an excellent time to set the groundwork for the actual potty training.

Mobility and communication skills really are all that are required to begin potty training. However, a few cues lend to the emotional readiness of a child to potty train. You can train a child who is physically ready alone, but it will take much longer and be far more difficult and frustrating for both of you.

Desire, a child will show the desire to potty train by stripping or sitting on the toilet or simply showing interest in what it is and what it is for. Some children, granted just enjoy being naked, but a child that walks, talks and despises wearing a diaper is unquestionably ready for potty training. That hatred for the plastic butt prison will make potty training one hundred percent easier.

On the note of that stripping, if your child can easily undress this is another hint they are ready to potty train. If your child can't get their pants off, how are they going to use the toilet? Also, watch out for bladder control. Just because a child can walk doesn't mean they are capable of holding their pee. Not peeing during naps or long road trips is a good sign of bladder control.

These four basic signs usually indicate a child is not only ready to potty train, but wants too. Always remember that every child develops at a different speed. Some babies learn as early as six months, other children don't master the toilet until three years. Be patient, Be proud, and be prepared with a roll for the first time you hear a tiny voice from the bathroom call, "Mommmmmm....I can't get it all off! Will you come wipe me?"

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