Signs of Potty Training Readiness You Should Know About

Think your child is ready for potty training? Here are the signs of potty training readiness you should watch for.

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Potty training can be a big hurdle for many parents and caregivers. Some kids can be a breeze to train and others might need a bit more time.

You might have a two year old throwing diapers in your face and telling you, "No more diapers!" Or you might have a soon to be four or five year old who still needs support recognizing that it's time to go. It might be a smooth, peaceful potty training journey. Or it might be a bumpy ride with lots of ups and downs and frequent accidents.

Maybe you've already tried that toilet training method your friend said worked beautifully for their child...But all it did was leave you with loads of extra laundry, a pee stained couch, and nothing but tears and frustration for both you and your child. Remember, every child is different. What works for one child, might not work for another. And that's okay!

Besides, there could also be sensory issues, language delays, specific diagnoses, or even motor delays at play too. These things can impact potty training success. So while you might be ready for potty training, is your child? How do you know? 

Well, let's take a look at some of the signs of potty training readiness. That way you'll know if the time is right or whether or not you should wait a bit longer. Because, trust me, things go a whole lot smoother when your child is actually ready for potty training.

Signs of Potty Training Readiness to Watch For

There are lots of different toilet training signs of readiness to watch out for.

It's also important to keep in mind that every child is unique (cliché, I know). But the right potty training age is whenever your child is actually ready!

However, you, as a parent or caregiver, also need to be ready to help the child learn how to use the potty. Potty training requires you to be patient and alert. If you're not mentally and physically ready yourself, then it might not be time to start potty training, even if your child is showing the following signs.

But I'm going to assume you're ready to go since you're here reading this list of signs of readiness for potty training in the first place...so let's dig in!

1. Shows an interest in wanting to use the potty

One of the best signs of being ready for potty training is that the child is showing an interest in actually wanting to use the toilet. They might be curious about the toilet/potty and/or underwear. Here are some more specific signs to watch for:

• Curious about watching you or others go to the potty

• Willing to use the toilet or try sitting on it

• Asks/wants to wear underwear

• Refuses to wear diapers

• Can get on the toilet, stay on it, and get off the toilet

• Tells you they want to learn to use the potty

• Tells you that they're done with diapers 

• Interested in books about poop or using the potty

2. Can communicate toileting needs

Another key sign of toilet training readiness is that the child can communicate about their toileting needs, either verbally or non-verbally. They might verbalize when they have to go or have gone. Or they might use physical signals that you have to watch out for. You will have to pay attention to your child's behavior and body language to watch for these signals. Here are some specific examples of what to look for:

• Hides to pee or poop, such as going into a corner

• Grunts

• Appears to be pushing (red face, clenched fists, and/or tense face)

• Suddenly stops playing, stands still, and/or goes quiet

• Tells you they have pooped or peed afterwards

• Tells you they are pooping or peeing while they are going

• Tells you they have to poop or pee and are about to go

• Runs towards the toilet

• Uses potty related vocabulary

• Understands that pee and poop go in the toilet

• Grabs the front of their diaper as if to hold in their pee

• Whines, points, or tries to get your attention

3. Stays dry for longer periods

If your child is staying dry for longer periods, then they might be ready for potty training. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Changing fewer wet diapers

• Wakes up dry from naps

• Wakes up dry in the morning

• Stays dry for longer than usual or for two or more hours at a time

4. Has a predictable toileting schedule

Does your child seem to have to poop at the same time every day? Do they seem to have a consistent routine of when they have to go? Then they might be ready for toilet training. Watch for these specific signs:

• Has predictable bowel movements

• Seems to pee shortly after waking up from a nap

• Has to pee shortly after drinking water

5. Seems uncomfortable with wet or dirty diapers

Some kids might not be bothered by a wet or dirty diaper. That means they're not yet ready for toilet training. On the other hand, kids who seem really uncomfortable or bothered by dirty diapers are definitely showing signs of readiness for toilet training. Look for these specific signs:

• Complains about wet or dirty diapers

• Asks to be changed or tells you they need a new diaper

• Pulls at wet or dirty diapers

• Removes their dirty diaper on their own

• Digs inside their diaper

• Refuses to wear diapers

• Absolutely hates wearing a dirty diaper for even a few minutes after soiling it

6. Can pull pants down and up independently

Besides the interest in potty training and showing physical signs of readiness, you need to make sure other skills are in place. For instance, the child should be able to pull pants down and up on their own.

7. Can follow basic directions

It's also important that your child is able to follow basic directions. After all, potty training is made up of multiple steps including pulling pants up and down, sitting on the toilet, flushing the toilet, washing hands after, etc. If they can't yet follow basic directions, they might not be quite ready enough to begin toilet training.

Think Your Child is Ready? This Potty Training Visual Schedule Kit Can Help!

Is your child showing a lot of the signs from above? Then it might be time to start toilet learning. This potty training visual schedule kit from my friend Katie of Preschool Inspirations is a great resource to help you get started. It can be used to help establish potty training habits and routines.

Click here to get a copy of the Potty Training Visual Schedule Kit

Hopefully you find these signs of potty training readiness helpful. Good luck!

Other Potty Training Resources You Might Find Helpful

Potty Training Tips for Hyperlexic Kids

Free Potty Training Visual Schedules

Free Potty Training Social Stories

Potty Training Tips & Strategies for Kids with Hyperlexia

Hyperlexia teaching strategies to help you potty train your hyperlexic child. These potty training tips for kids with hyperlexia are awesome!

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Ugh...potty training..

If you are here and wondering how the heck to potty train your hyperlexic child, then I can almost guarantee that one of these thoughts have crossed your mind:

• I don't understand how he's been reading for well over a year and knows his multiplication tables, but can't learn to go on the potty.

• It's so frustrating hearing him do math, say words like quadrilateral, or speak the alphabet in four difficult languages, but struggle so much with using the potty.

• What if he isn't potty trained by kindergarten?

• He's 3 why isn't he potty trained?

• We've tried so many things!

• Are most kids with hyperlexia harder to potty train or am I just failing at this?

No, you are not failing at this. 

Potty training is hard!

Also, most potty training advice found on the internet just isn't tailored for our hyperlexic kids. So you've likely read some potty training articles that had what seemed like great advice, but flopped in practice.

You are not alone in your potty training struggles. I remember how challenging it was for us too (although I do try to block out memories of that stage to be honest...).

These potty training tips and strategies are tailored specifically to kids with hyperlexia. Although if your child is autistic without hyperlexia, then you may also find these tips and strategies helpful as well.

Hyperlexia Teaching Strategies for Potty Training

Please remember that potty training success really depends on whether your child is actually ready or not. Be sure your child shows signs of readiness when attempting potty training. It will make a huge difference and be less stressful for both the child and you if he or she shows signs of wanting to learn to use the toilet. Trust me, if you attempt potty training and he's just not into it or ready for it yet, then you are going to struggle. A lot.

But, when you are definitely ready to give potty training your hyperlexic child a go, even if you have unsuccessfully tried to toilet train them in the past, here are seven potty training strategies to keep in mind:

1. Use visual schedules and post them where they can be seen 

A visual schedule or routine chart that outlines each step of the potty training process is so important. Be specific as possible and don't skip simple steps! We used a visual script once that forgot the flush toilet step and guess what my son forgot to do? Yep, flush.

Detailed step-by-step visual routines will help your child be successful at potty training.

Be sure to keep the visual schedules where they can be seen. Hang the toileting visual schedule by the toilet. Hang a hand washing visual schedule by the sink. 

Need a free potty training visual schedule? You'll find lots to choose from!

2. Use social stories to teach various aspects of potty training

Social stories are a great way to teach social skills and life skills such as potty training. Hyperlexic children benefit greatly from direct social skills training through tools such as social stories.

You can write social stories about how to use the potty, when to use the potty, why we use the potty, how to wipe, how to wash hands, etc. You can also find lots of free potty training social stories here. 

3. Watch videos and read books about potty training

We loved using the Potty Time video and music to help my son learn the language and routines he needed to be successful at potty training. I think there is even an app to go with it. And remember to use your child's ability to read by picking up some books about potty training.

4. Encourage your child to get into a toileting routine

Making potty time part of your child's routine, such as peeing before bed (check out this free printable bedtime visual routine chart that includes potty time), peeing first thing in the morning, and/or peeing before leaving the house. Not only will this decrease accidents during the day or while out an about, but hyperlexic kids thrive on routines.

5. Show your child where the bathrooms are when out and about

When you are out and about running errands or visiting public spaces, be sure to point out to your child where all the bathrooms are, in case they need to go. This strategy was a must for us because my son likes to leave things to the last minute so when he needs to go, he needs to go like now! So knowing where the bathrooms are ahead of time will make it easier to get your child to the toilet in time.

6. Keep favorite books, magnetic letters, etc. near toilet to help your child stay seated

Once your child shows interest in potty training, it can be a whole other ballgame to keep him or her seated on the potty long enough to finish peeing or pooping. Keep a basket of your child's favorite books to read nearby or some magnetic letters or foam letters handy. Read through a book together while he or she sits on the toilet.

7. Buy some underwear that's motivating (like days of the week, covered with letters, or even write child's name)

Sometimes the hyperlexic child may be terrified of wearing underwear. They feel different and changes can be difficult for these kids. 

One thing you can do is supply them with underwear that is motivating to them. If they like planets, then buy some underwear with planets on them. Use days of the week underwear (although make sure you have multiple pairs for each day in case of accidents because I can guarantee your child won't want to wear Friday underwear on a Thursday).

Another idea is to buy plain colored underwear and write your child's name on them with fabric markers. Or decorate them with letters, numbers, or even the Russian alphabet...get creative!

8. Be aware of sensory preferences and be prepared for those challenges in public washrooms

Okay, this tip is like a must have for public washrooms. Washrooms that have automatic flushing toilets and the dreaded noisy hand dryers. Obviously you can avoid using the hand dryers and opt for using paper towel instead. That's easy enough!

But automatic flushing toilets?

Well, that's a different story.

Start carrying a pack of post-it notes in your purse or bag. Then you can simply cover the sensors with a post-it note so it doesn't flush automatically when your child stands up.

How's that for a potty training hack?

Need More Resources to Help with Potty Training?

Using visual supports and social stories is a great way to help prepare and support the hyperlexic or autistic child with potty training. This potty training visual schedule kit from my friend Katie of Preschool Inspirations is a great affordable resource that will help establish potty training habits and routines.

Click here to get a copy of the Potty Training Visual Schedule Kit

Free Potty Training Visual Schedules

Free printable potty training visual routines for kids with autism.

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I often hear about how frustrating the potty training process is for parents, especially parents of autistic or hyperlexic children. Just go into any online support group and it won't take you long to find a discussion about this particular topic.

One thing that is helpful when potty training autistic or hyperlexic children is using a visual support of some kind, such as a visual schedule or routine chart. There are many benefits to using visual schedules and they can be tailor made to any situation or skill you are trying to teach. So why not potty training?

These free printable potty training visual schedules for kids are hopefully going to be a lifesaver for you and your child. They will hopefully help break down all the steps involved and remind your child what comes next in the process.

Free Printable Visual Schedules for Toilet Training

I highly recommend laminating any visual schedule for toilet training because kids may touch the schedule with wet hands or even...(shudders at the thought) dirty hands. It's bound to happen so save yourself from printing a new one by laminating it ahead of time. I also recommend hanging the visual schedule up where kids can easily see it while they are sitting on the toilet.

1. Printable Bathroom Chart from Kori at Home

2. Simple One-Page Potty Training Visual Schedule from She's Always Write

3. Simple Bathroom Routine from Amy Reed on Teachers Pay Teachers

4. Bathroom Visual Schedule for Boys from Autism Educators

5. Toileting Picture Cards from Do2Learn

Need More Resources to Help with Potty Training?

If the free visual schedules above didn't quite meet your needs, then try this great affordable option from my friend Katie of Preschool Inspirations. It can be used to help establish potty training habits and routines.

Click here to get a copy of the Potty Training Visual Schedule Kit

Other Resources You'll Love

Free Potty Training Social Stories

Free Visual Schedule Printables

Free Printable Visual Calm Down Cards

Free Social Stories for Potty Training

A collection of free social stories for potty training. Printable and video social stories about toileting, going to the bathroom, and more are included below.

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Is your child is showing signs of potty training readiness? Think they're ready to make the full transition to underwear?

Well, transitioning from diapers to the potty and eventually bathroom independence is a big change. One that you and your child might need to prepare for. 

Sometimes using visual supports and reminders can be super helpful when it comes to toilet learning. As can books, songs, or videos. A favorite for us was the Potty Time video from Signing Time. Highly recommend it!

Anyway, another great tool you can use to prepare your child for toilet training is to use a social story. They're a great way to break down all the steps involved with toileting. And there certainly are a lot of steps to remember from pulling pants up and down, wiping, flushing, and washing hands.

Below you will find a wide variety of free social stories for potty training. They cover topics like using a urinal, wiping, asking to go to the bathroom, knowing which bathroom to use, and so much more.

This collection of social stories for toilet training was last updated on December 1, 2022. New stories were added (including lots of video ones!), dead links were removed, and more details were provided to make sure you can find what you need quicker.

Free Printable Social Stories for Potty Training

Have you been looking for a toileting social story? Then look no further than these free printable social stories for potty training. Some require you to have a Teachers Pay Teachers account (which is free!) before you can download them.

I've rounded up some options for you to explore. That way you can find the best toilet training social story for you and your child. Or you can simply use ideas from different stories below to write your own custom story (free social story templates here to help).

Please note that just because a social story is listed here does not mean I endorse its content. After all, many social stories tend to be poorly written and/or teach autistic masking. Besides, I haven't read all of these stories word for word myself. So please read through the stories carefully before using them with your child.

1. Potty Training Social Story for Girls from Jessica Bander on TPT - An 8 page social story that is geared towards girls. It does come as a Word document so maybe you can edit it and personalize it.

2. Potty Training Social Story for Boys from Jessica Bander on TPT - Same story as above, I bet. Just that this one is geared towards boys, instead of girls. Might be editable again since it comes as a Word document.

3. Going to the Bathroom Social Story from SpEdTeachersRock on TPT - Here's a story that covers various aspects of going to the washroom, including pulling pants up, flushing, washing hands, etc. It uses a mix of clipart and photos. It also uses terminology like "big boy" so best suited for boys.

4. Using the Bathroom at School Social Story from Mac SS on TPT- Public washrooms can cause all sorts of issues for kids with sensory issues or autism. So it's kind of nice to have social stories like this one geared towards a specific scenario, such as using the bathroom at school. This story uses mostly clipart by the looks of things. It comes as a PowerPoint so it might be editable, which is nice.

5. Pooping on the Potty Interactive Social Story from Jill Shook SLP on TPT - There are three versions included here with different stick figure style clipart. There's one featuring a girl, one with a Black boy, and one with a white boy.

6. Bathroom Break at School Social Story from Social Stories: Power Tool for Autism - This story is primarily text only, but it does include two photos. It focuses on using the bathroom at school.

7. No Hands in the Toilet Bowl Water Social Story from Social Stories: Power Tool for Autism - This story obviously covers a very specific bathroom rule. One photo and one clipart image are included. Otherwise, it's mostly a text-only social story.

8. Potty Training (Boy) Editable Social Narrative Template from Social Unicorn on TPT - An editable PowerPoint template so you can write your own story using the potty.

9. Potty Training (Girl) Editable Social Narrative Template from Social Unicorn on TPT - Same as the story above, but this one is geared towards girls. 

10. Bathroom Time Social Story from Abagael Gerdes on TPT - This story looks like it might be pretty detailed. It comes as a Word document so you might be able to edit it too. It uses clipart throughout.

11. Bathroom Social Story with Scenarios from Sarah Hingson on TPT - I like that this story includes some sign language in it. Otherwise, it looks pretty simple and uses clipart.

12. Social Narrative: How to Use the Urinal from Jason Wong on TPT - Here's a helpful story for learning about using a urinal, which is a good topic to cover when it comes to toilet training. This story uses clipart.

13. Using the Restroom Social Story from Tandy Webb on TPT - There's not a whole lot I can tell about this story from the image included on TPT, but it does come as a PowerPoint. So hopefully you can edit it.

14. Bathroom Accident Prevention Social Story from Planet Jupiter on TPT - This story is geared towards kids who have frequent bathroom accidents and uses clipart. It also includes a visual prompt for a school desk.

15. I Can Use the Bathroom Social Story from Ashley Kumrow on TPT - This story covers the basics of using the bathroom and uses clipart to support the text. Apparently it uses PBIS principles, whatever those are...

16. Using the Bathroom Editable Social Story from Mrs. Bartus on TPT - It looks like that this story focuses primarily on pooping. It uses colorful icons and clipart and simple text. It is in PowerPoint format so you can edit it.

17. Using the Restroom Social Story from Gina Rodriguez on TPT - This story is also in PowerPoint format so you should be able to edit it. It uses some pretty random assortment of clipart.

18. I Can Go to the Toilet Editable Social Story from Special Ed Resources for All on TPT - This story comes as a PowerPoint so you can edit it. It uses lots of photos and clipart, but it also has spots for you to put your child's name and photo. 

19. Sesame Street Characters Peeing in the Potty Social Story from Autism Little Learners - If your child loves Sesame Street and is a boy, then this story might be a great fit.

20. I Can Ask to Use the Bathroom Social Story from TeacherTalk2022 on TPT - Here's a story that focuses on helping kids understand how to ask (or tell) adults at school that they need to use the bathroom. It uses clipart, not photos.

21. Flushing the Toilet is Loud Social Story from Communication Station on TPT - This story focuses on coping with the loud noises that accompany flushing the toilet. There are icons included alongside almost every word in this story, which may be distracting and annoying for some, but beneficial for others.

22. Using the Bathroom Social Story from Nat M on TPT - This story looks colorful with its red/pink pages and random clipart. It focuses on the important steps of what to do when using the bathroom.

23. Good Bathroom Behavior for Girls Social Story from Cassie's Creations on TPT - A one page story with some clipart. It comes as a Word document so you should be able to edit it too.

24. Using the Bathroom Social Story from John McDevitt on TPT - This story uses a random assortment of photos and clipart. Everything from Spongebob to a photo of a person holding their butt. It does come as a Word document so it should be editable.

25. Using the Bathroom at School Social Story from Bridget McGlynn on TPT - This story uses clipart and looks pretty basic.

26. Bathroom Visual & Social Story from Jessica Harris on TPT - There's not much to see in the listing's image so I'm not sure what's all inside, but it does comes as Google Slides. That means you might be able to edit and customize it.

27. Use the Correct Restroom Social Story from Haley Arellano on TPT - This story explains that there are different restrooms at school. It comes as a Word document so you might be able to edit it.

28. Bathroom Social Story from Keri-Lynn Maher on TPT - This story is about using the bathroom at school and uses a mix of clipart and photos.

29. Using a Urinal Social Story from ASERT - This story discusses how to use the urinal's found in men's bathrooms. It uses clipart to accompany the text.

Video Social Stories for Toilet Training

Here are lots of video social stories about potty training, wiping, and going to the bathroom. You can use these in teletherapy sessions or at home. Videos are always a great alternative to printing off a story.

Like the stories above, some of the wording in these videos aren't always great. But I wanted to make sure you had lots of different options for helping kids with toileting skills and bathroom behavior.

Need More Resources to Help with Potty Training?

Using a visual schedule alongside the above social stories is a great way to help establish potty training habits and routines. You'll love this potty training visual schedule kit (it includes a social story too!) from my friend Katie of Preschool Inspirations. She also has a Peaceful Potty Training Online course that you might be interested in as well.

Click here to get a copy of the Potty Training Visual Schedule Kit

I know that was a lot of options to choose from, but hopefully one (or a few!) of these free social stories for potty training will make things go a bit easier for you and your child. Good luck!