Determining if your child is ready to toilet train depends on 4 factors: motivation, ability to follow directions, desire to please and physical readiness.
Four things define your child's readiness for toilet training.
Motivation.
You will know your child is ready to toilet train when
they show an interest in the potty. At home your child
might prefer to wear only underwear or be naked. This
helps them recognize physical cues that they need to
go to the bathroom.
Ability to follow directions.
They will be able to follow simple commands such as "Sit in the
chair" or "Give me the book". Also they will understand words
related to toilet training such as "wet", "dry", and "toilet".
Physical capacity.
Your child's bowel movements will be soft and regular. He or
she might keep a dry diaper for 2 or more hours during the
day or during their nap. They will be able to walk and sit,
as well want to dress and undress themselves without help.
Desire to Please.
Your child needs to be in a stage when he or she wants to
please you. Some points during the third year include a
tendency to say "no" to everything. It is better to avoid
these times. Also avoid training during periods of major
change, such as the birth of a sibling.
