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Signs Your Child Is Ready To Potty Train

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Many parents want to be given a specific time they should begin potty training their child. However, that simply cannot be done. There is no magic age when potty training is right for every child. Most children will begin to show signs they are ready to be potty trained between the ages of 2 and 4. Some children are ready before others due to physical and emotional factors. The length of time it takes to potty train a child also varies from child to child. Some children will take just a few days to get using the toilet down while others can take a year to master potty training. Some experts say that if a child is started on potty training at the age of 2 they will be fully trained by age 3, and if potty training is started at age 3 it will be finished at age 3. There are signs and signals that indicate a child is ready to take on potty training. Listed below are some of the indications that a child is possibly ready to begin potty training:

• Staying Dry for Long Periods of Time: This sign is probably the most vital one involved with potty training. In order for the toilet training to be successful a child must be physically ready. This happens when the child is able to hold his or her urine for longer periods of time and stays dry for 3 or 4 hours at a time. This is a sign that the bladder muscles have developed to a point they are able to hold urine.
• Recognizing the Urge to Go: This is another important key to a child's readiness to potty train. A child must be able to recognize the signs he or she needs to go to the bathroom and be able to make it to the toilet before actually going in order for potty training to be successful.
• Growing Independence: Usually at the age of 2 children begin gaining independence and self awareness. This brings on a change in how children want things done. They begin to no longer want you to change their diaper. They want to go to the bathroom all by themselves like a big kid.
• Regular Bowl Movements: Having bowl movements that are regular, soft, and formed is another sign that a child is ready to begin potty training. It is also good if the bowl movements come at regular times.
• Able to Get Dressed Alone: Another indication that a child is ready to get started potty training is when he or she is able to their pants up and down by themselves.
• Expresses a Desire: Children who imitate or watch their same sex parent use the restroom are likely showing a sign they are ready to start the potty training process. Expressing the desire to wear panties or underwear is also an indication a child could be ready.

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