It is important for parents and caregivers to understand how children develop physically in regards to toileting. Children need to develop mastery of each step in this complex process. These time lines are approximate and vary greatly for individual children. It is important to note that there is almost a two-year time span between the age when children begin to recognize when they have wet and when they can actually wait to urinate. Many adults expect children to be able to function like adults much sooner than most children actually can.
Providers can help parents by sharing developmental signs of readiness.
Children can stay dry for longer periods of time, or overnight. Children have words for using the toilet. Children can stand and sit well on their own. Children can pull pants up and down for themselves. There is more to toilet training than just physical maturity.