TOILET LEARNING FOR TWOS
Brenda Zirbel, Parent Educator

Toilet learning is a developmental as well as educational process that usually takes place between 18-36 months of age. Children need to be interested in learning the process, cooperative in working with the parent and show signs of physical, emotional and cognitive readiness. The parent’s job is to set the stage by providing a potty chair/toilet seat insert, underwear/training pants and create an encouraging environment through words, time and patience.

Signs of Readiness for a Typical Developing Two-Year-Old:

Physical Readiness:
*Having a dry diaper for a couple of hours during the day
*Taking down and pulling up their pants by themselves (dress-up play offers practice in learning to dress and undress)
*Getting off and on the potty seat or toilet by themselves
*Being aware of when their diaper needs changing

Emotional Readiness:
*Expressing interest in using the toilet---the child wants to do it!
*May imitate toilet behavior of other family members
*Wanting to be independent in other self care activities such as eating, dressing and washing hands


Cognitive Readiness:
*Can understand and follow simple directions
*Can remember two or more things at the same time (such as a 2-step direction); then, can play and pay attention to how their bladder or bowels feel
*Has enough communication skills to indicate needs

Adult Readiness:
When your child shows readiness signs:
*Check your own energy and stress levels within your family (new baby, move, job changes, daycare, etc.)
*Check your level of patience
*Plan for an investment of time
*Have realistic expectations


                                                         





Additional Resources:

Toilet Learning
www.mnparentsknow.info
www.childrenshc.org (Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota)

Brenda Zirbel, ECFE Parent Educator, ISD196