Children must have the communication skills to let someone know, either with words or gestures, that they want to go to the bathroom. Children must want to learn how to use the toilet. Children often show this desire by imitating the activities of their parents, including toileting behaviors. More Specific Signs of Readiness Children ask to be changed when their diapers are soiled. Children appear to know when they are about to urinate or defecate, as indicated by gestures or facial expressions, or children stop what they are doing when urination or defecation is in progress.
Children eliminate on a fairly regular schedule and stay dry for several hours at a time.
If children do not show readiness signs, it is best for parents to wait a while before trying to toilet train.