Is my child ready for POTTY TRAINING?

Those are the 5 preconditions for toilet training:

1. Physical maturity – My child knows how to walk and how to take his pants off (and back on).

2. Cognitive maturity – My child understands a simple instruction and how to say yes or no.

3. Emotional maturity – My child is able to wait a few minutes before receiving something (just a bit).

4. Awareness to bodily needs – My child “knows” when he had a bowel movement, he tells us, or goes to a “quiet” place to do it.

5. Independence and Competence – My child wants to do things on his own, he is encouraged to do so, and thus, gaining a general sense of capability.

What can I do?

• Teach how to take pants off and on

• Practice understanding simple instructions (for instance: put all the blocks in this box)

• Tell him “hey, you just did a big poopoo, let’s change your diaper”

You can also:

• Read books or show videos on the subject

• Model and show how you go to the bathroom

• Buy a potty and put it in the bathroom

• Buy underwear and allow him to try them on

Most importantly:

The process of potty training is part of the development of AUTONOMY.

So, make sure to allow and encourage your child to do things ON HIS OWN (even if it’s far from being perfect!). The more your child will practice doing things independently, the more you are fostering his SELF-CONFIDENCE, and this will make sure the potty training will go smoothly.

And if it doesn’t, I’m here for you!