The Potty Training Readiness Quiz

Potty training can be a relatively painless, smooth transition—if your child is truly ready to tackle the potty in all three areas: physical, cognitive and social. So how do you know when your child’s ready to ditch the diaper? If you have never traveled this road before, you likely don’t even know what signs to look for. Take this quiz to find out where your child is on the readiness spectrum.

1. I can tell by watching that my child is wetting or filling his diaper:
   1. Never.
   2. Sometimes.
   3. Usually
2. My toddler’s diaper needs to be changed:
   1. Frequently, every hour or two.
   2. It varies.
   3. Every two to three hours—sometimes less frequently.
3. My kid understands the meanings of wet, dry, clean, wash, sit and go:
   1. No.
   2. Some of them.
   3. Yes.
4. When my child communicates her needs, she:
   1. Says or signs a few basic words, then I guess the rest.
   2. Gets her essential points across to me.
   3. 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:
   1. Doesn’t understand, or doesn’t follow directions.
   2. Will do it if I coach or help her.
   3. Understands me and follows my instructions.
6. My child can take her pants off and put them on:
   1. No.
   2. With help she can.
   3. Yes.
7. When I read a book to my toddler, she:
   1. Ignores me.
   2. Sometimes listens, sometimes wanders off.
   3. Sits, listens and enjoys the story.
8. My kid wants to do things “all by myself”:
   1. Never.
   2. Sometimes.
   3. All the time!
9. I think that it’s the right time to begin potty training:
   1. No.
   2. I’m undecided.
   3. 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. Take the test again in a month or two, when she may be developmentally ready to begin.

Most answers are b: Time for pre-potty training—get ready!

Your child’s 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, such as “potty” vocabulary and independence, 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!

Are you between two scores?

Just like any parenting situation, there are choices to make. If your child’s hovering between two categories, it's time to put your intuition to good use. Everything you know about your toddler can direct you toward the right plan of action. If you’re still unsure, wait and watch for the readiness signs above. If you think she’s ready, take the test again to gauge whether or not it’s time to say bye-bye to diapers—and hello to the “big kid” potty!