You should not start potty training your child until he is ready. Some children are ready for toilet training as young as 18 months, while others may still be wearing diapers at age three, FamilyDoctor.org explains. Children generally show signs when they are ready to start the process. An astute parent will recognize the signs and use them as a cue to begin potty training.
Awareness
Children become aware of having soiled their diapers as they get ready for potty training, according to FamilyDoctor.org. They may start showing signs of discomfort and may alert you to the fact that they've urinated or had a bowel movement in the diaper.
Time Frame
Children start to spend longer periods without soiling their diapers as they move toward potty training readiness. FamilyDoctor.org states that a youngster might remain dry throughout nap time despite wearing a diaper. She might also maintain a dry diaper for two hours or more during the day.
Interest
Children often begin to show interest in the toilet or potty chair when they are ready to start using it. FamilyDoctor.org states that they might start asking you questions or even directly ask to use it. This might happen around the same time they start pausing in their activity when they eliminate in their diaper, according to KidsHealth.org, and they might even start clutching or pulling at the diaper.
Ability
Children need to have certain abilities in order to be effectively potty trained. They should be able to pull their pants down and up, and they must also understand basic instructions and be able to follow them, FamilyDoctor.org explains. Children should have the strength and coordination to sit on a potty chair or get up and down from the toilet, according to KidsHealth.org. They need the verbal ability to be able to alert you when they feel the need to go.
Differences
KidsHealth.org states that there are differences in potty training readiness between boys and girls. Boys are generally ready to start later than their female counterparts, and they often take a longer time to learn how to use the toilet.
Warning
Your child will probably be resistant if you push him into potty training too early, FamilyDoctor.org warns. Back off if he doesn't seem to be responding to the training and try again later when he starts showing the readiness signs. Do not punish him or make a big deal out of it.
