[stevetcg]

I have read differing thoughts on this matter and just wanted to get some input.

I read that a kid will let you know when he is ready to start potty training. At what age should we start taking matters into our own hands and let him know he is ready? Our son is turning 3 next month and has shown NO interest.

Can someone recommend/review a book on the topic?

[NeedKarma]

Hi Steve,

I follow the same theory as you - the child will let you know. My son will turn 4 in a couple of weeks and he has the peeing part down but the interest in pooping on the toilet isn't there yet. We started the whole toilet training process by having the potty out and ready, letting him know that a reward exists for using the potty and reassuring him that we will show him how and help him.

Sorry I don't know of any book. We just kept reminding him if he needs to use the potty and eventually he proudly announced that he wanted to try it.

Good luck!

[DoulaLC]

He may not show an interest but you can watch for signs he is becoming physically ready. Staying dry through naps or through the night, wanting to get changed when he wets or has a bowel movement, possibly hides when he is having a bowel movement (let's you know he is becoming more aware of the sensation), etc..
You can start with the basics... have a toilet available to him, let him come in with you when you use the toilet, talk to him about feeling when he has to go, perhaps use a reward system when he tries, let him pick out big boy pants to use, read stories about children using the toilet, etc..
He may show an interest fairly soon, he may not until he is a bit older, but you can bring the subject up every now and then. When he is ready it should be relatively easy.

[jai_myers]

I have a 2 year old that shows no interest in going to the potty. But I've trained 2 others and he's taking his time with it. You have to show them that going to the potty is a good thing. Reward them when they go and it makes them keep going.