
Potty Training
Somewhere between 2 ½ years – 3 years of age is a good rule of thumb to start checking for signs of readiness for potty training.
​
Keep in mind what works at home with no distractions is not the same as here, your child is busy playing with lots of friends and toys.
​
For sanitary reasons I have kiddos wear pull ups (the type with the tabs on the sides - only) when potty training at daycare.
​
Once they have had 2 weeks in my care from ANY type of accident they can transition to underwear.​
​
Some of the signs for potty training readiness are:
PHYSICAL SIGNS
-
Is coordinated enough to walk, and even run, steadily.
-
Urinates a fair amount at one time.
-
Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times.
-
Has "dry" periods of at least two hours or during naps, which shows that their bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine
BEHAVORIAL SIGNS
-
Can sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes.
-
Can pull his pants up and down.
-
Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper.
-
Shows interest in others' bathroom habits (wants to watch you go to the
-
Gives a physical or verbal sign when he's having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or telling you.
-
Demonstrates a desire for independence.
-
Takes pride in his accomplishments.
-
Isn't resistant to learning to use the toilet.
-
Is in a generally cooperative stage, not a negative or contrary one
COGNITIVE SIGNS
-
Understands the physical signals that mean he has to go and can tell you before it happens or even hold it until he has time to get to the potty.
-
Can follow simple instructions, such as "go get the toy."
-
Understands the value of putting things where they belong.
-
Has words for urine and stool.
The following is needed when potty training has begun:
-
Begin teaching your kiddo how to pull up and down their shorts/pants several days/weeks before you begin potty training at home.
-
Have them wear easy to pull up and down elastic wasted sweat shorts/pants. This clothing is the ONLY way I will potty train kiddos. No jeans, tight fitted clothing, button up pants, dresses, jump suits, etc. Anything they can't take on and off by themselves they will not be successful. They will only become frustrated which could lead to them giving up. We want them to be successful in every way.
-
Your child will need 2+ complete changes of weather appropriate clothing.
-
Due to sanitary reasons, any soiled clothing will be returned unrinsed/unlaundered in a bag.
​
If potty training has begun when your kiddo is showing many of the signs above, the task can be easy and quick.
If a parent undertakes the task of potty training when they want it to happen, the task is difficult and painful for all involved.
Parents and caregivers being on the same page for potty training will provide more success for your kiddo.
If I am not seeing definite signs of your kiddo being ready, but parent/s insist to begin, there will be an additional fee of $20.00 per week until there is success. Keeping kiddos from smearing poop/pee around the floors and toys and constant sanitizing is extremely time consuming when a kiddo is not ready for potty training.
If a period of time has passed and your child does not have success or show signs of progress, we will need to re-evaluate if potty training should begin at a later date.