A child becoming potty trained is not only a big event in the child's life, it can be a big event in the lives of parents, too. It gives the child more independence and frees up more time for parents. According to the National Network for Child Care, potty training is easiest when the child is both emotionally and physically ready, which occurs when the child is between 2 and 3 years old. Girls are generally ahead of boys when it comes to potty training. Regardless of the child's gender, alert parents can recognize the signs that a child is ready for potty training.
Signs of Maturity
One of the signs that a child is mentally ready for potty training is the ability to follow simple directions. Potty training involves giving directions to the child, and unless the child is ready, potty training directions may be ineffective. This also shows that the child understands language well enough to understand words like wet, dry and bathroom. The child should be able to pick objects off the floor and walk easily between rooms, which are signs of physical maturity. The child should also be able to pull pants down and up, which will be necessary when potty training.
Bladder and Bowel Signs
Children should be able to keep diapers dry for two hours. This is a sign of potty training readiness. The child should wake from naps dry. Bowel movements should have a degree of regularity and predictability to them. Some children may have bowel movements every two to three days while others may have several per day.
Other Signs
Another sign that a child is ready for potty training is when the child expresses interest in the toilet. When the child expresses an interest in wearing underwear, this is a sign that the child is ready. Another sign is an expression of discomfort with wearing soiled or wet diapers. If the child expresses an awareness of an approaching bowel movement or urination that is about to occur, this can be a sign the child is ready for potty training.
