Potty Training

Becoming toilet trained is one of the milestones in children’s development. It can be challenging for parents and child care providers, and for the child as well.

Very young children have limited control of their bladders, or none at all. It is important to remember that children do not develop at the same rate, so this two year old may not be ready when that two year old is. Parents should be encouraged to be patient and make sure that this specific child is ready to begin training. Children must be physically and emotionally ready.

A child may be ready to begin potty training when they can do the following:

• sit for short periods of time
• follow simple directions
• understand "potty" types of words
• stay dry for at least two hours at a time
• stay dry during naps 
• walk to and from the bathroom
• pull his or her pants down
• verbally express the need to go
• show expressions or otherwise indicate the need to go
• control muscles used

Even children who have achieved this milestone may have occasional accidents. They may also have setbacks in training at times of sickness, stress or major changes in life such as a new sibling being born. 

Related Training: 

Toilet Training (2 hours / .2 CEU)