Potty training is an important milestone for any child, but it can be difficult to tell when your child is ready. While some children may be ready for potty training as early as 18 months, others may not be ready until they’re 3 or 4 years old.
It’s important to watch for signs that your child isn’t ready yet so you can delay potty training until they’re truly ready. Here are 6 signs that your child may not be ready for potty training yet.
*Post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosure can be viewed here.
Potty training requires physical readiness, which means your child needs to be able to recognize the sensation of a full bladder and be able to walk to the bathroom. Additionally, according to UC Davis Health, “your child must be able to control the sphincter, the muscle that holds and empties the bladder and rectum.”
If your child is not yet able to walk on their own or control their muscles, then they are not ready for potty training.
They Can’t Remember or Understand Instructions
Children need to be able to understand and follow instructions. Potty training requires a certain level of mental readiness, which means your child needs to be able to remember what they are supposed to do when they need to use the potty. If your child is unable to remember the steps of potty training, then they may not be ready to begin.
They Show No Interest
If your child is not showing any interest in using the potty even after seeing the rewards of doing so, they may not be ready just yet. Potty training is a big change for your child and if they are not showing any interest in learning, it might be best to just wait.
They’re Unable to Communicate When They Need to Go
If your child isn’t able to communicate when they need to use the bathroom, they may not be ready to start potty training. It is important that children are able to tell someone when they feel like they need to go. Potty training requires your child to be able to express his or her needs, such as when they need to use the restroom. If your child is not able to do this, it might be best to wait.
They’re having frequent accidents.
I know, it can be frustrating when your child is constantly having accidents when you’re actively potty training. However, if your child is having too many accidents, this may be a sign that they’re just not ready for potty training yet.
Your child is easily distracted
Potty training requires your child to stay focused on the task at hand. I get it, toddlers are naturally easily distracted. However, if your child is so distracted that they can’t concentrate on what they’re supposed to be doing when they go to the bathroom, they may not be ready.
They’re unable to stay in one place for a long time
Potty training requires your child to stay in one place for a few minutes at a time. If your child has difficulty staying in one place for several minutes straight, potty training can be very challenging.
Wrapping Up
It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether or not your child is ready for potty training. I recommend speaking with your child’s pediatrician if you are unsure of the best time to start potty training.
The important thing is that you’re not comparing your child to other children. Parents look forward to the day when they no longer have to change diapers but don’t feel like you need to rush. Assess your child’s level of readiness before you take the dive.
Feel free to share your personal experiences with potty training in the comments!
