Potty Training 101 – How can you tell they are ready?

Posted by: Sharmila Rajah, 18-Dec-2009

 

Mom and Dad use a potty, maybe I will try.

If I can use my potty, then my pants will stay dry.

- taken from the Potty Book for girls

It happened.....just yesterday Ayanna used the potty without any prompting. I was super proud.

Our little ones master so much, and mature in so many ways so fast. Like all developmental skills, toileting will be mastered. Like crawling, walking and talking, toilet training is a developmental task. Every child should be allowed to master according to their own timetable. So look no further than your toddler for the answer. Only your child can tell you (through a variety of behaviours) when they are ready for toileting. That was exactly how we determined Ayanna was ready to be toilet-trained.

Here are some of the tell-tale signs -

• Ayanna's diapers weren't as full as they used to be. If a toddler stays dry for an hour or two at a stretch during the day and occasionally wakes up dry from naps, then he/ she is physically ready to begin toilet learning.

• Ayanna began having regular bowel movements – at fairly predictable times each day.

• Ayanna had become more aware of her bodily functions. She informed us by going off to a quiet corner to squat. This was a big indicator.

• She began to show an interest in cleanliness and hygiene, always wanting to wipe or wash her hands.

• Ayanna had become familiar with the terms used to mean urinate and defecate, as well as the names of body parts associated with potty use.

• She began to display the ability to communicate her needs and to understand and follow simple directions.

• Ayanna was eager to perform simple self-dressing, even if it wasn't always successful.

• Ayanna showed curiosity about our bathroom habits – following us into the toilet.