Toilet Training for school readiness

Toilet training, also known as potty training, involves teaching children how to recognise their bodies needs and signals, and helping them to use a potty or toilet properly and at the correct times.

Using the toilet independently before starting school is an important skill that will help your child to make this transition comfortably, so with that in mind we have put together some helpful tips around the subject:

Knowing when the time is right

You may have a hunch that your child is getting ready to cast nappies aside and start potty training, but if you’re not certain, check the list below to check the signs. Be honest with yourself about your child’s capabilities – if you try starting before your child is ready, it could lead to difficulties later.

8 signs of readiness

• Your child stays dry for two hours or more at any time, or is dry after a daytime nap.
• Your child tells you in words or by behaviour that wearing a wet nappy is uncomfortable and needs changing.
• Your child asks to use the potty or toilet.
• You usually know when your child is likely to need the toilet.
• Your child asks to wear knickers or underpants.
• Your child can understand and follow simple instructions such as ‘bring me the potty please’.
• Your child can show in behaviour, or can use words, to let you know they need the toilet.
• Your child can put on some of their clothes on their own.

Trust your own instincts…

Whether your child is ready to potty/toilet train or not, trust your instincts. Each child develops bladder/bowel control at different speeds – don’t compare him/her with other children of the same age.

Introducing the idea

It’s a good idea to buy a potty and leave it in the bathroom long before you expect your child to actually use it. Remember your child must be comfortable on the potty; there are many different types, so make it fun and get them to choose one for themselves. Let them see you using the toilet, whenever possible let them go to the toilet with other children who are also potty training. This will get your child ready for the idea of using it independently.

Once you feel the time is right to potty train, think about the kind of clothes your child wears. Will they be easy for you or them to fasten and unfasten- maybe in a hurry? The two crucial elements in successful potty training are your child’s readiness and your state of mind. If you’re anxious about it or you’re having a busy, stressful time, it’s not a good time to start. If you react by being negative, you will only succeed in setting your child’s attempts back. You’ll need to help when your child first uses the potty or toilet, but don’t do more than necessary. Your child will be more eager to use the potty if they can do it by themselves.

Encouragement

Encourage your child’s independence so that they get the idea that this is something that they need to do for themselves. They are the ones who will need to recognise the signs. Your child may start out by sitting on the potty or toilet for a little while each day. He/she may just sit there, but want to do something “grown-up” like using toilet paper, flushing the toilet and washing their hands. Allowing him/her to do this will build up confidence. Take him/her off the potty or toilet as soon as he/she wants to get off -whether he/she has performed or not.

Helpful hints

• Think about the clothes your child wears during potty or toilet training, as they should be easy to remove for your child.
• Reward your child’s early efforts on the potty even if they haven’t produced anything, just praise them for trying.
• Be patient.
• Remember each child is different some take longer than others, do not compare with siblings or other children.
• Do not keep asking if they need the potty/toilet-a gentle reminder is all they need.
• Do look for signs- usually getting fidgety is a give-away.

Potty training children with additional needs

Children’s bowl and bladder charity Eric says, almost all children can learn to be clean and dry. Children with special needs including delayed development and physical disabilities may take a little longer and need more support. However, the process you need to follow is the same.

This can feel like a big challenge, but it’s important not to put off potty training for too long. The longer your child wears a nappy, the harder it may be to introduce a new place for them to wee and poo.

There’s information and tips on On the Eric website to support children with additional needs and sensory issues, including autism, delayed speech, and Down Syndrome. You can find out more about this and the recommended 3 Step Let’s Go Potty approach.

School readiness

When it comes to being toilet trained before school, it can cause anxiety for parents who worry their little one is not quite there yet. This can be heightened still if your child has SEND.

You can speak to the school about your concerns, and get as much information about their policies, uniform, routine, medial needs, etc, as possible. You can prepare and practice at home and nursery as much as possible, but we recommend trying to keep relaxed and not to panic.

Children starting in reception is an exciting but also potentially anxious time for parents. Eric run free webinars for parents every month, and it can be helpful to know that you are not alone in any concerns.

Remember that what you’re trying to do is teach your child to be independent. Accidents will happen, even when you think your child has mastered it. Please remember all children are different but they all get there in the end!

Please talk to your child’s key person. We are always on hand for support and advice and will endeavour to support the strategies that you are using at home within the nursery. Talking to the staff in your room about toilet training and working with them can help ensure a speedy success rate.

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