Self Help Skills - Toilet Learning

Self Help Skills- Toilet Learning Handout

Bowel and bladder control is a major experience in which children come to know and feel in charge of his or her own body. Children vary in their ability and their coordination of the neuromuscular, emotional, and intellectual tasks involved in the mastery of sphincter control. Parents should determine when to begin toilet learning based on the developmental readiness of their child. Parental patience, consistency in demands, reasonable standards, and lots of time, effort, and love will help our children develop the adult patterns we want.

Expected Tasks       Suggested Activities
Beginning to show regular patterns in bowel and bladder elimination
Has one to two stools daily
Dry periods are less than 1 to 2 hours 		9-12 months Watch for clues indicating if the child is wet or soiled and be sure to change diapers so that the child begins to experience contrast between wet and dry.
Indicates when wet
May have bowel movement in toilet if put on the toilet at approximate time 		1 3-18 months Respond quickly to signals or clues from the child by changing them or taking them to the bathroom.
* Use the words you want your child to associate with toileting (ex. pee, poop.)
May anticipate need to go potty
Has words for both functions
May have daytime control
Needs adult reminders
Needs assistance with wiping and dressing
1 1/2 - 2 1/2 years
 * Change diapers in the bathroom.
* Dress child in manageable clothes
* Highlight successes
* Use consistent schedule for toilet learning breaks (after meals & snacks. Before play time, nap, or bedtime).
* Begin training when regular routine can be followed (not at holidays or on vacation) and use training pants the day.
* Sit child on toilet or potty chair at regular intervals for short periods of time.
Verbalizes need to go
May have occasional accidents
Needs help with wiping
Takes responsibility if their clothes are simple
2 1/2 - 4 years
 go * Continue reminders and schedule
* Make sure bathroom is easily used by the child (ex. door open, paper reachable)
4 - 5 years
Generally independent can anticipate need, undress, wipe, and wipe afterwards.
Approximately 15% of children wet beds after age 4 		 

Signs of Toilet Learning Readiness

  • Your child is about 2 years (this may be nearer to 3 for some children).
  • The child is past the "no" stage and can agree to adult requests.
  • He or she can sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • He or she is aware of the "need to go" and can let you know through gestures or words.
  • Your child shows some interest in the process and are curious about what goes on when siblings or parents use the bathroom.
  • The child can understand and express toilet learning words such as "wet", "dry", "potty", "go".
  • Your child can imitate things he or she sees others do.
  • The child dislikes wet or dirty diapers or pants. (You may need to start using less comfortable and absorbent diapers).
  • He or she is able to stay dry at least 2 hours or wakes up dry after a nap.
  • Your child can pull up and down elastic waist pants.
  • He or she is interested in pleasing you and will work a little for your approval.
  • Your child tells you he or she is about to go or asks to use the potty chair/adult toilet.
Tips for Parent When Teaching Toilet Learning
  • Observe your child and wait until he or she expresses an interest in toilet learning.
  • Help children learn toilet skills by staying calm, patient, and having a "matter of fact" attitude toward toilet teaching.
  • Provide a social and physical environment that supports learning Ð stay with the child, make sure the toilet or chair has a steady comfortable seat.
  • Clearly communicate what behavior is expected of the child.
  • Expect gradual (rather than instant) success.
  • Encourage and praise your child for successes (be careful not to overdo this) and be understanding about failures.
  • Send a clear message that you have confidence in your child's ability to learn and give gentle reminders to use the potty to help her or him to be successful.
  • Avoid tactics like punishment, scolding, or shaming.
  • Don't flush the toilet when the child is on it as it may frighten the child.
  • Parent Book: Toilet Training by Vicki Lansky
  • Children's Book: I Have to Go Ana Ross
    Once Upon A Potty (His & Hers) Alona Franke
    KOKO Bears New Potty Vicki Lansky
    Going to the Potty Mr. Rogers