Is my child ready for potty training?

Potty training is often a daunting prospect for many parents. Evidence shows that letting your child take the lead and show you that they are ready, rather than attempt to teach them on your schedule, has better outcomes. But how can you know they’re ready, and what do you do when they are?

1. Avoid major life changes

First things first, if at all possible, it is best to avoid initiating potty training too close to major life events, like moving house or bringing home a new baby. Despite your best efforts, these changes can be quite disruptive and confusing for children and can set potty training back significantly. While your child may be showing cues that they are ready to start potty training, [remove: “but”] but try and delay it beyond any potential upsets so they are more likely to maintain momentum.

2. Non-verbal cues

Have you noticed that your child runs and hides when they pass stool, or tugs at their nappy soon after a wee? This is a sign that they have an awareness of their own toileting habits, and is the very first sign that they might be developing enough self-awareness that potty training is feasibly on the horizon!

3. Verbal cues

If you can see the non-verbal cues developing, this is the time to start talking to your child about their toileting habits. This will help develop this self-awareness further, as well as giving them the vocabulary they need to start articulating it. For example, if you think your child might be having a wee, simply ask them, “Are you having a wee?” Keep your language simple and consistent. The real turning point will come when they don’t tell you during or after they wee, but tell you before.

4. Taking an interest in the potty

Once you think your child might be close to readiness, it’s time to get a potty for your home. Keep it somewhere you intend for your child to use it, preferably somewhere they’ll see it regularly. Don’t make a huge show of it, as this might introduce an element of fear. What you want is for them to have a healthy curiosity about the potty and what it is for. If possible, encourage your child to sit on it when you go to the toilet yourself by way of a demonstration. Ideal times to try and get your child to sit on the potty are first thing in the morning, before bath time, and last thing at night. If they are resistant or afraid, don’t push it, as this could create an aversion which could be harder to overcome in the future.

5. Tell you

Once you’ve put together all the previous readiness indicators, there is a good chance your child will simply begin to tell you they want to use the potty. As far as displays of readiness go, it’s as clear as it could possibly be! If they tell you they’d like to use the potty, do your best to seize the moment, and if they use it successfully, be sure to shower them with praise and enthusiasm.

Potty training is a huge step in your child’s life. If you want to support in this journey or want information about how we approach potty training here at Little Harvard, please chat with us!