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| |    When Is Your Child Ready for Toilet Training? by Dr. Benjamin Spock reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. I like to reassure parents that I consider toilet training a task for 3-year-olds that many toddlers can accomplish earlier, yet others won't be quite ready yet. As a parent, you should remember that every child is different. Don't force the issue of using the potty if your child does not show any interest. At the same time, watch for signs of readiness and encourage him when he is interested. Think of toilet training as a learning process that occurs over time. Established patterns Initial signs of readiness should include your child's ability to stay dry for longer periods of time (at least 2 hours) during the day, and the tendency to have bowel movements at relatively regular, predictable times. Awareness and control As part of the learning process involved in toilet training, children develop an increasing awareness of when they are urinating or having a bowel movement. This often occurs between 18 and 24 months. Sometimes, awareness may simply mean that your child may stop playing for a few seconds or act a bit uncomfortable afterward. In verbal children, they may actually tell you that they are going or have gone already. Once they are aware, children also must be able to control these functions well enough that they can put their urine or BM in the toilet. Showing interest An important sign of toilet training readiness is when your child shows interest. Early on, this may be seen when she:
Physically ready To be fully toilet trained, your child needs to be able to pull down her own pants and get herself on the potty seat or toilet. Early on, she may attempt to do so. You can both encourage her and assist her until she is able to do so independently. Indirect signs of readiness Beginning in the second year, other aspects of readiness appear that we don't ordinarily associate with toilet training. Children now feel an impulse to give presents, and take great satisfaction from this - though they usually want them right back again. Their contradictory feelings may show in the way they hold out one of their toys to a visitor but refuse to let go of it.
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