Welcome to the wonderful world of toilet training! We know the internet is full of ideas about how to tackle toilet training with your child. We’re here to cut through the noise and give you some time-tested tips to get you started. Of course every child is different. If you have specific questions about your child, please reach out to your child’s service coordinator. They are happy to help. 

Caption: A toddler wearing a white onesie stands next to a woman and a white and pink toddler potty.

Before you start your journey, here some ideas to be more prepared:

1. Make sure this is a good time for you and your family to take on toilet training. If someone in your family is starting a new job or expecting a baby or if your family is moving into a new place (or starting a recarpeting project 😆), it might be best to wait until your child is more settled. Toilet training takes time and focus, but it is well worth the effort. 

1. Do a little research. When does your child tend to go to the bathroom? Do they stay dry for most of the morning and go before lunch? When do they have a bowel movement? This information will give you some tips on planning trips to the toilet.

Once you’re ready to get started, follow these steps:

1. Plan a schedule and use a timer. It is too easy for everyone to get busy and miss a trip to the bathroom. Use your research from before to think about how long your child stays dry. Plan your trips just a little under that amount of time. For example, if your child stays dry for 90 minutes, then plan on making trips to the bathroom every 60 minutes.

2. Don’t ask, just let them know it is time to go to the bathroom. This is a big change for everyone and giving a choice could cause more struggles than success.

3. Make the time calm and pleasant. Have some books and songs ready. You are going to want to have your child sit long enough to relax and learn the messages their bodies are giving them about going to the bathroom. Sometimes a routine of one book and two songs will help.

4. Praise them for all the trying and the successes. When accidents happen, and they will happen, just remind them of where they are learning to “put their potty” and help them clean up. Punishment could set things back.

Good luck and remember to stick with it. If life gets too hectic or busy, it is okay to take a break and start back up when things settle down.

If you are an educational provider and have seen something that really works, please email communications@nwresd.k12.or.us to have your tip featured.