Guiding our little ones through the significant milestone of learning how to use the toilet is a journey filled with joy…and also with frustration. For children with developmental or behavioral differences, toilet learning can be notably more challenging—especially if your child is non-verbal, has trouble with balance, or is non-ambulatory. With the right guidance, though, toilet learning can be a positive and empowering experience for both you and your child!
4 Tips for Toilet Learning
1. Position Matters
Ensuring the right position for your child during toilet time is crucial. Traditional toilets may not be the best fit for little ones, potentially setting them up for failure. Some children may be intimidated by the height of an adult toilet, and the Mayo Clinic suggests that a child’s feet should be resting on a flat surface when using the toilet. Consider investing in a foldable toilet that is specially-designed for children, which can make the toilet learning experience more comfortable and accessible.
2. Naked Exploration
Encourage your child to run around naked occasionally. This not only promotes a healthy understanding of their body sensations, but also helps them take the first steps in recognizing when they’ve peed or pooped. With a little pre-planning, it’s not as messy as it sounds.
3. Trust the Process & Stay Positive
Toilet learning is a multi-step process. First, children learn to recognize that they’ve already peed or pooped. Next, they become aware that they are currently peeing or pooping. This heightened awareness will allow your child to get more in tune with their bodily sensations. Finally, they’ll learn the crucial step of acknowledging when they need to go to the bathroom, and will develop a sense of urgency. By creating a positive environment for toilet learning, understanding the process, avoiding punitive measures, and staying patient and positive, you can make toilet learning an integral part of their routine. Consider incorporating bathroom breaks after meals and before and after sleep to establish a consistent pattern.
4. Unique Challenges
Recognize that each child is different. If you have a child with low muscle tone, the process may be more challenging due to a looser and weaker gut. Similarly, for children with neuro-developmental disorders, toilet learning may require extra patience and understanding.
Traveling while Toilet Learning
Traveling with a child who is in the process of toilet learning is an adventure in and of itself. Consider bringing a foldable, portable toilet—complete with an easy-to-dispose bag—for convenience and comfort. Children who are sensitive to smell may not be able to use public facilities. A portable potty is a practical solution that brings familiarity and comfort to any travel scenario!
Patience is Key
The toilet learning process isn’t just for your child to learn how to use the potty—it’s also a great opportunity for us to get to know our children better! Understanding our developmentally different children is, after all, an ongoing and ever-evolving process. My own child once wet their pants just moments after leaving the house—despite that fact that they had been introduced to the toilet, and even asked numerous times if they had to use the bathroom before we left. I got them all bundled up, and the second we stepped outside into the cold…boom, they let it all go! Sometimes, external factors—like the cold—can play a role in the sensations your child feels. And, at the end of the day, accidents do happen—even when we think we’ve left no stone unturned.
Remember that toilet learning is a journey, not a destination. Motivation varies from child to child, and what works for one may not work for another. Ultimately, my child was most motivated to learn how to use the toilet once their peers started to use the toilet on their own. Your little one will find their unique motivation along the way, too.
As you navigate the twists and turns of toilet learning, remember to embrace the journey, celebrate the victories, and approach setbacks with patience and understanding. What questions do you have about toilet learning? Submit your question using the form, below, and I’d be happy to provide some insight!
*** Disclaimer
This blog is for entertainment, informational, and general educational purposes only and should not be considered to be healthcare advice or medical diagnosis, treatment or prescribing. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
