Summary Of Toilet Training Readiness Signals
By: Narmin Parpia
Physiological readiness signals for potty training are (Bladder & Bowel Control):
Childs awareness of the need to go - demonstrated by squatting, grunting, hiding when child feels need to eliminate.
No BM's through the night
Dry diaper for long periods of time i.e. from long naps and/or in the morning.
Urinate a lot at one time (vs. a little through out the day)
Some regularity of bowel movements.
Motor Skills readiness signals for potty training are:
Is your child able to undress him/herself?
Is your child able to pull his/her underpants down?
Is your child able to pull his/her pants down?
Verbal and Cognitive readiness signals for potty training are:
Your child can follow instructions - from simple instruction such as show me your nose, to more complex instructions such as putting away toys where they belong.
Has the vocabulary required to follow your instructions - i.e. understands words such as potty, toilet, wet, dry, underwear, "big girl" etc.
Is able to imitate behavior.
Emotional growth and social awareness readiness signals for potty training are:
Desire to master one's own body and environment - manifested by "I can do it" or "I am a big boy/girl now"
Child's desire for parental approval
Child's desire to imitate and desire to be like others
Narmin Parpia, inventor of the Potty Scotty® and Potty Patty® potty training dolls and Potty Training in One Day: The Complete System for Girls and for Boys. Narmin has been dispensing products, information and advice online at http://www.pottytrainingconcepts.com/. Narmin's products have been featured on the Today Show, in Time Magazine, The Plain Dealer and on Mr Dad - Armin Brott talk show.