Elsa Leal, Director of LAEP’s Ready2Teach infant-toddler teacher workforce development program, shares tips for potty-training children 18-36 months.
How to Know Your Child Is Ready for Potty Training
The ideal age to start potty training can vary from child to child, as each child develops at their own pace. However, most children are ready to begin potty training between 18 and 24 months. Some signs of potty-training readiness include:
- Interest in the bathroom
- Awareness of bodily functions
- Ability to follow simple directions
- Physical ability to walk to the bathroom and pull down pants and underwear
- Staying dry for longer periods
- Expressing discomfort with dirty diapers
Remember, every child is unique, and some may show signs of readiness sooner or later than others. It’s important to be patient, observant, and responsive to your child’s cues and development. Starting potty training when your child shows signs of readiness can make the process smoother and more successful.
Potty Training Tips
- Make the bathroom a fun and comfortable place. Decorate it with your child’s favorite characters or let them choose a potty with a design they like.
- Keep books or toys in the bathroom to make bathroom time more enjoyable and relaxing.
- Use a toilet chair or a child-sized toilet seat and stool to help them feel safe.
- Use positive reinforcement. Offer praise, applause, and rewards (like stickers or celebratory dances) for successful potty attempts.
- Teach your child words to express their need to go and encourage them to communicate when they need to go to the bathroom.
- Set a regular potty schedule to help your child get used to using the bathroom at specific times during the day, such as after meals or before bed. Your child’s care provider or infant-toddler teacher can help partner with you to support your child during this transition.
- Stay calm. Accidents are part of the process. Respond with patience and understanding, avoiding any punishment or negativity.
- As you work on the process and your child gains confidence, switch from training pants to regular underwear throughout the day. This helps them feel moisture more acutely and encourages faster learning.
- Evening training often takes longer than daytime training. Limit fluids before bed, have your child use the potty before bed, and consider using waterproof mattress covers.
- Know that major life changes, such as moving to a new home, starting school, or a family crisis, can disrupt the progress of potty training. Be patient.
- Keep in mind that children with certain developmental delays may take longer to reach some milestones, including potty-training.
- Consult a pediatrician or child development specialist for further guidance if your child shows extreme fear or anxiety about using the bathroom or constantly reacts with strong opposition, tantrums, or aggression when approached about potty training.
Remember, every child is different, so what works for one may not work for another. The key is to be patient, understanding, and attuned to your child’s signs and progress. Potty training is a process that takes time and understanding, so be prepared for setbacks and celebrate every step of the journey.
Los Angeles Education Partnership’s early childhood programs support at-promise families with infants and toddlers as well as infant-toddler teachers in LA County. Donate to support this work.