You may be feeling unsure about when the right time is to potty train your child. It doesn’t matter if your child is a Toddler or of Preschool age, as there are some universal signs that you can look out for. Below we will list 5 common signs that you can bear in mind which will show that your child is ready to start potty training.
When to begin potty training
As you’ll already know, children develop at their own pace, and no two children develop at the same time. Therefore it’s important to wait until your child shows signs that they are ready to be potty trained and to avoid focusing on their age. To make potty training easier, it is best to consider your individual child’s readiness and not worry about what other children, who are the same age as your child, are doing.
How to tell when your child is ready to start potty training
As well as staying clean and dry, your child needs to be able to control both their bladder and their bowels. A child also needs to understand simple instructions related to using a potty or the toilet. As it can be difficult to work out when to start potty training, it is worth looking out for common signs which indicate that your child may be ready to start their potty training. Below are some of the signs that you need to keep an eye out for as this will make the whole potty training less stressful and reduce the number of accidents your child has.
5 Signs which indicate potty training readiness
- You child can tell when their diaper is soiled or wet and they try and take it off, pull at it or indicate that they want you to change it.
- Your child’s diapers are dry for at least a few hours.
- Your child is aware when they want to use the toilet and can tell you in good time.
- Your child knows when and they can tell you they are going potty.
- Your child may show visible signs that they need the toilet. i.e. hiding, taking themselves to a quiet spot or fidgeting.
Other Aspects to Consider
If you wait until your child knows that they need a ‘go potty’, then you will probably find that potty training is easier and quicker to master.
If you find that your child shows interest when you or another member of the family go to the toilet, then let them watch you and tell them what you are doing, step by step.
If you have a little girl then it’s worth teaching them to wipe from the front to the back from the start. If you have a little boy, you can help them practice aiming into the toilet. Also, teach your child how to wash their hands after using the toilet.
Mastering potty training is a huge milestone for your child and it’s something that needs praising when they are successful.
Your child is bound to have the odd accident from time to time. When this happens, remember to remain calm and reassure your child that it is ok for accidents to happen. If you remain calm then your child is less likely to feel worried when they next and continue to use the potty.
Do you have specific questions? If so, reach out to our team of professionals at Mt. Elizabeth Academy. We would be happy to speak with you about this or any other topic.
