Therapy Insights

5 Tips for Potty Training 

Potty training is a big milestone for both parents and little ones, and while it can feel daunting at first, it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach, patience, and a little guidance, the process can be smoother for everyone involved. It can be even more difficult for neurodivergent learners (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Sensory Processing Disorder, etc.).  In this post, we’ll share 5 practical tips to help make potty training a positive experience and set your child up for success.

Overview 5 Tips for Potty Training

1. Understanding the urge

2. Building a Routine

3. Implementing Sensory Supports

4. Promote Independence 

5. Having Patience (Most difficult but Most Important)

BONUS

6. Next Steps

It is important to note, it takes approximately 3 days for most learners to master potty training…. However, it can take up to 3 months for neurodivergent learners! (I know, it sucks…. But it can be done!) 

Understanding the Urge 

There can be many signs of readiness! Some common signs many parents see include

• Staying dry for longer periods

• Showing interest in the bathroom habits of others

• Taking off diaper

• Hiding or communicating the need to go or that they went

It is important to note that starting too early can lead to frustration and abandonment of trying to learn.

How to help your child learn the urge to go

• Help identify when they have to go and how that may feel

• Read books or watch short videos on toileting

• Look for signals (be a detective), try and find a pattern and rhythm

It is important to not over-prompt. Encouraging identifying and verbalizing signs you see your child display (ex. potty dance) or  feel (ex. wet, full, pressure) are great ways to teach without the fear of failure due to demands. 

One way to practice the feeling or using tummy muscles is to try and blow up a balloon. Notice and verbalize how their stomach feels different during this. Or, making a loud and long (SHHHHH) sound also activates the core muscles and can help create this awareness of activation. 

Building a Routine

Establish a consistent potty schedule. You can use a visual schedule or timer. Potty at the same time every day. Encourage your child to use the potty following a timeframe of how often they are usually wet or soiled. Make or read a book on steps of toileting and what to expect. Routine should be based off your child’s natural schedule to start, especially the first few weeks.

Sensory Supports 

Have sensory tools available so they know they can use them if needed. Common sensory supports include 

• Noise canceling headphones (flushing, fans)

• Changing lights to be more calming 

• Bathroom sprays, or essential oils to decrease smells

• Providing sensory inputs to promote the sense of having to go

Providing vestibular input (ex. swinging,spinning, jumping) can help promote the sense of having to go. Additionally rolling on a large yoga or peanut ball can also apply pressure, resulting in the urge to go.

Positioning is also important. It is hard to go and feel comfortable with feet dangling in the air! Try and provide stools under their feet to feel more secure. Additionally, pay attention to if arm rails or different styles of toilet seat could help them feel more comfortable and able to go! 

Promote Independence

Provide items in the environment that lead to success and independence in toileting tasks. These can include a stool, toilet seat insert, slow closing toilet lid, towel at their height, or facet adapter so they can turn on/off the water.

Patience is Key!

They are not struggling on purpose! Have empathy on reasons why they are having trouble. Patience and consistency are key. Make sure you are there for them and consistent with strategies you are using while remaining calm. Accidents should not lead to punishment.

BONUS!!

What to Do Next!

Ditch the pull-ups and diapers

If not appropriate, choose commando or other loose fitting/ poor absorbent items.

• Cloth swim diapers

• Incontinence underwear

Notice signals from your child before they do

• Spend significant quality time noticing and identifying signals of going

• Simple statements (It’s time to use the bathroom; Let me know when you need to go, I’ll be right here)

Stay consistent but don’t make it a huge deal. Going to the bathroom on the toilet should be a daily normal, not an extraordinary event (like eating)

Natural consequences are okay, dumping pull-up poop into the toilet to flush. Washing hands after changing. 

Start with small outings to test once successful at home. Take a potty with you wherever you go and let them know where it is in the community.

TALK TO YOUR LOCAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST IF YOUR CHILD IS STILL STRUGGLING WITH THESE TIPS!