🚼 Toilet Training: Is Your Child Ready?

When should toilet training begin? How to know if your child is ready? A guide for parents on healthy toilet training.

🚼 What is Toilet Training?

Toilet training is an important developmental process where children learn about their own bodies and gain independence. However, each child's readiness time is different. Research shows that starting training before the child is physically and emotionally ready can make the process more difficult.

(e.g., Schum et al., Toilet Training Children: When to Start and How to Train, Pediatrics, 2001).

⏰ Signs of Readiness

Your child:

• Stays dry for longer periods during the day
• Can understand and express toilet-related words
• Notices when the diaper is dirty and feels uncomfortable
• Has started showing interest in the toilet

may be gradually preparing for this process.

For many children, the age to start toilet training is between 24-36 months (Joinson et al., J Child Psychol Psychiatry, 2019).

💬 Recommendations for Parents

• Don't pressure. Forcing your child when not ready can prolong the process.
• Create a routine. Remind about the toilet at specific times like after meals, before sleep.
• Reinforce success. Notice and praise even small progress.
• Be understanding during accidents. Use supportive phrases like "it happens, we'll try again next time" instead of shaming.
• Be patient. Every child learns at a different pace; don't compare.

Conclusion

Toilet training is not just about developing a habit, but also about building trust and connection. Approaching your child with understanding, patience, and love makes this period easier for both parties.

📚 References:

• Schum, T. R., et al. (2001). Toilet Training Children. Pediatrics, 103(6).
• Joinson, C., et al. (2019). Toilet training behaviors. J Child Psychol Psychiatry.
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Toilet Training Guide.