Are you ready to potty train yet?

I bet everyone has asked this question...well the people that have kids anyways! When do you start potty training your kids. I have to say every child is different. My daughter wouldn't even consider it until she was 4 and she trained herself all by herself in like a day. My son did it too himself when he was about 3...I thought it was pretty neat. But he always had issues about the number 2. I guess it's all hit and miss. If I were to have a third child I would be really preparded.

So how can you tell your child is ready to be potty trained? I found this really good checklist that would really help...where was it when I needed it?

1. I  can tell by watching that my child is wetting or filling his diaper:
   a. Never.
   b. Sometimes.
   c. Usually.
2. My toddler's diaper needs to be changed:
   
   a. Frequently, every hour or two.
   b. It varies.
   c. Every two to three hours -- sometimes less frequently.
3. My child understands the meaning of wet, dry, clean, wash, sit, and go:
   
   a. No.
   b. Some of them.
   c. Yes.
4. When my child communicates her needs, she:
   
   a. Says or signs a few basic words and I guess the rest.
   b. Gets her essential points across to me.
   c. Has a good vocabulary and talks to me in sentences.
5. If I give my child a simple direction, such as, "Put this in the toy box," she:
   
   a. Doesn't understand or doesn't follow directions.
   b. Will do it if I coach or help her.
   c. Understands me and does it.
6. My child can take his pants off and put them on:
   
   a. No.
   b. With help he can.
   c. Yes.
7. When I read a book to my child, he:
   
   a. He ignores me.
   b. Sometimes listens, sometimes wanders off.
   c. Sits, listens and enjoys the story.
8. My toddler wants to do things “all by myself”:
   
   a. Never.
   b. Sometimes.
   c. All the time!
9. I think that it's the right time to begin potty training:
   
   a. No.
   b. I'm undecided.
   c. Yes.

Total the number of responses for each letter:
a. __________
b. __________
c. __________

Most answers are a: Wait. Your little one doesn't seem to be ready just yet. Test again in a month or two.

Most answers are b: Time for pre-potty training-get ready! Your child is not quite ready for active training, but you can take many steps to prepare your toddler for the future. Gradual introduction of terms and ideas will make potty training easier when the time comes.

Most answers are c: Your toddler is ready to use the potty! It's time to start your potty training adventure. Good luck, and have fun!

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