Toileting

Toileting is a hot topic! Although there are many strategies for potty training, it is best to wait until your child is ready rather than forcing them through punishment, nakedness, or other extreme measures. When your child is ready, potty training is easier and often enjoyable for both you and your child. Your child may have accidents as they learn. Be patient. With practice and encouragement, they will master it!

Please note: All activities should be done with adult supervision for safety

Toileting Skill Activities

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Signs of Readiness

-Your child is interested in the potty. They may look at or in the potty and try flushing it.

-Your child is uncomfortable when wet/soiled and can communicate it with either words, signs, or a communication board.

-Your child can get to the toilet and sit. Children may need special seats to sit on the potty.

Make it fun!

-Read books and sing songs about the potty

-Talk to your kid about it and let them watch you use the toilet

-Consider switching to cloth diapers or training underwear so they can feel when it is wet

Handwashing

-Your child is able to reach the sink (may need a step stool).

-Your child can turn the sink on and off

-Your child can get to soap (a bar or automatic dispenser may be easier than a pump)

-Your child can dry their hands (towel may need to be on the counter)

Make it fun!

-Let your child pick a safe water temperature (warm, cool, or cold)

-Let your child pick out the soap and hand towel

-Sing songs while washing

-Practice washing a toy's hands

Clothing

-Make sure your child can pull off and on their clothes (elastic pants or shorts are best).

-Avoid dresses or clothes with complicated buttons and snaps that will slow your child down.

-Most children can take off clothes before they can put them on. Assist and guide your child with their clothing as they grow and learn.

Make it fun!

-Let your child pick out potty training clothes like underwear

Pooping

-Children usually master pooping after peeing.

-They may need to sit on the toilet for a while so bring some toys and activities they can do on the potty.

-Some children are nervous to poop on the potty and this is normal. Be patient and understanding.

-Relaxing is more important than pushing.

-Let your child flush after.

Make it fun!

-Put shaving cream "poop" in the toilet and flush

-Have a favorite toy or doll pretend to go on the potty

Peeing

-Most children master peeing first.

-Make a phrase or use sign language or a communication board with your child so they can let you know when they need to go.

-Help your child relax on the toilet with stories or songs.

-Listening to running water may help your child to go the first few times.

Make it fun!

-Get squirting toys and squirt water into the toilet

-Use coloring in the water (blue water with yellow pee makes green!)

Wiping

-Wiping can be difficult. Make sure to double check that your child is clean until they can do it on their own to avoid rashes.

-Start with pre-ripped sheets that can go in the toilet or wipes that can go in the trash

-Help guide their hand at first and then let them try. Teach them to go front to back to avoid bacteria.

Make it fun!

-Practice wiping shaving cream poop off of a doll or toy

-In the bath, place bubbles on their bottom and practice wiping with a soft washcloth

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