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Practical ideas for everyday parenting
Your toddler just followed you into the bathroom for the third time today, absolutely fascinated by the flush. But when you casually suggested trying the potty after lunch, they acted like you'd proposed something truly terrible. Meanwhile, your friend mentioned their younger child is already in pants, and you're quietly wondering if you should be doing something differently. Here's the truth: potty training readiness isn't about hitting a magic age or keeping up with other families. It's about watching for specific signs that your unique child is developmentally ready for this big step.
Your toddler just followed you into the bathroom for the third time today, absolutely fascinated by the flush. But when you casually suggested trying the potty after lunch, they acted like you'd proposed something truly terrible. Meanwhile, your friend mentioned their younger child is already in pants, and you're quietly wondering if you should be doing something differently.
Here's the truth: potty training readiness isn't about hitting a magic age or keeping up with other families. It's about watching for specific signs that your unique child is developmentally ready for this big step.
Most children show readiness between 20 months and 4 years old, with many starting around age 2 to 2.5 years. But here's what matters more than age: your toddler's brain and body are developing the complex coordination needed for toileting independence.
They're learning to recognise body signals, control muscles they've never consciously controlled before, and connect actions with outcomes. That's a lot of neurological development happening at once. When you see several readiness signs appearing together, it means these developmental pieces are falling into place.
Your toddler can walk steadily to the bathroom and climb onto a potty chair without help. They're staying dry for longer stretches, at least 2 hours at a time, or waking up dry from naps. These aren't just convenient signs, they show that bladder control is developing.
Watch for the 'potty dance' too. When children start doing that distinctive wiggle or holding themselves, they're showing awareness of their body's signals. That awareness is essential for potty success.
Your child has words for body parts and bathroom functions, even if they're unique family words. They can follow simple instructions like "Let's go to the bathroom" or "Pull down your trousers." Most importantly, they're starting to tell you when they need to go or when they've already gone in their nappy.
This communication doesn't need to be perfect. Even pointing to their nappy or using a special word counts. What matters is that they're connecting the feeling with the need to communicate.
Your toddler wants to follow you to the toilet, asks questions about what you're doing, or shows interest in pants like older siblings wear. They might bring you books about potties or point out toilets wherever you go.
This curiosity is golden. Children who are interested in the process are more likely to cooperate with learning, rather than resist what feels like your agenda being imposed on them.
They're in that "me do it myself!" phase that makes you want to tear your hair out at breakfast time. But this drive for independence is exactly what you need for potty training. They show pride in accomplishments and might resist nappy changes or demand to be changed immediately when soiled.
When children want control over their bodies and choices, potty training becomes their achievement, not something you're making them do.
Your child tends to have bowel movements at predictable times, perhaps after breakfast or before bath time. This predictability gives you a practical advantage: you know when to suggest potty time.
Regular patterns also help children recognise their body's signals more easily. They start to connect that feeling with what happens next.
Starting too early because of external pressure. Your mother-in-law's comments about how her children were trained by 18 months aren't helpful. Starting before your child shows multiple signs of readiness often leads to months of frustration for everyone.
Waiting for all signs to appear perfectly. Some children never announce they need the toilet before they're already trained. Others might tick every box except staying dry for long periods. Look for a cluster of signs, not perfection.
Confusing compliance with readiness. Just because your child will sit on the potty when asked doesn't mean they're ready to recognise and respond to their body's signals independently.
Tonight's action: Start using correct names for body parts during nappy changes. This builds the vocabulary they'll need.
This week: Create a simple visual chart together showing the potty routine: wee or poo, wipe, flush, wash hands. Let them help draw or place stickers. If you're feeling creative, make up a silly song for each step.
Watch without pressure: Notice which signs your child already shows. Keep a mental note over the next few weeks without mentioning potty training to them.
Prepare practically: When you spot 3 or more signs consistently, that's your green light to introduce the potty casually, without fanfare or pressure.
Recognising readiness signs isn't about being a perfect parent who starts potty training at the optimal moment. It's about knowing your child well enough to spot when they're genuinely ready for this developmental leap.
Trust what you're seeing. When multiple signs appear, you'll feel more confident starting the process, and your toddler will be more likely to succeed. That's a win for everyone, including your washing machine.
