{"id":3266,"date":"2021-10-28T17:10:19","date_gmt":"2021-10-29T00:10:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kpthrivingfamilies.org\/pediatricsblog\/?p=3266"},"modified":"2023-08-09T01:41:28","modified_gmt":"2023-08-09T08:41:28","slug":"is-my-child-ready-for-potty-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kpthrivingfamilies.org\/pediatricsblog\/is-my-child-ready-for-potty-training\/","title":{"rendered":"Is My Child Ready For Potty Training?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Some children are ready to toilet train at around 18 to 24 months. Most do it closer to 3. They all do it eventually, but is there a \u201cright time\u201d to start?<\/p>\n

If your child shows signs of readiness at 18 to 24 months, it\u2019s a good time to begin. In fact, if you miss this early window of opportunity, it might be a while before they\u2019re ready to try again. This happened with my first child, and it was frustrating! He seemed ready at one point, but I delayed acting on it \u2013 and then he lost interest. So, when my second was wanting to try the potty at just 18 months, I helped her \u2013 even though I was so pregnant I could barely get her on and off the toilet!<\/p>\n

Starting later (usually between 2.5 and 3) works too. Older kids have more skills to help the process and often train quickly. They can tell you when they need to go, get on the potty themselves, and wash their hands after. They may be self-motivated to avoid accidents. They also really like sticker charts and treats!<\/p>\n

Either way, make sure you\u2019re ready to take training on. You might need to devote up to 3 months to helping and encouraging your child. If your family is facing big changes, such as moving or a new baby, it\u2019s usually better to wait.<\/p>\n

How do you know when your child is ready to potty train? Look for these signs:<\/p>\n

Awareness of body sensations. <\/strong>They know what they feel when they pee or poop, and they tell you when they\u2019re going. They may just pause what they\u2019re doing and make a funny face. You can point out this awareness by saying, \u201cIt looks like you\u2019re going poop!\u201d or \u201cOh, are you peeing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Discomfort with a dirty diaper. <\/strong>They start telling you that pee or poop is in their diaper because they don\u2019t like how it feels and want it changed.<\/p>\n

Recognition that older kids and grownups use the toilet. <\/strong>To help encourage this, you can let them come with you to the bathroom. They can sit on their own potty next to you, even if they have their diaper on. It\u2019s great practice to imitate you. It also helps them learn if you point to yourself before heading to the bathroom and say, \u201cI feel that the pee (or poop) wants to come out. I\u2019m going to go put it in the potty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Interest in trying the potty.<\/strong> They may pretend their toys are using the potty. Or imitate you doing so.<\/p>\n

Kids move through this process at different speeds. Have patience \u2013 your child will get there! If they need more encouragement, you can help them along by:<\/p>\n