Strategies for a Successfully Potty-Trained Toddler

Strategies for a Successfully Potty-Trained Toddler

By Liezel Fernandez, OTR/L

Kids Place Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Potty training is around the corner.  Your child is finally ready to say goodbye to diapers!  But… will you be prepared?

Independent toileting is an important milestone and a complex task in a child’s life.  A child must be ready both physically and psychologically to begin the learning process of toileting.  Parents need to be prepared to devote significant time and effort in toilet training their child.  When starting to potty train, it is important to keep in mind your child’s developmental level, not their chronological age.  Children are likely ready for toileting if they have a regular pattern of urine and feces elimination.

The first sign of readiness is when a child indicates discomfort when wet or soiled.  Consider whether your child is able to follow simple directions and able to tell you through verbal or non-verbal communication (sign language/gestures) they need to go potty. 

Here are some helpful strategies to successfully potty train your child:

• Schedule toileting and use habit training.  For example, go at the same times of the day every day.
• If possible, dedicate a bathroom to toilet training.
• If you child is unable to communicate verbally, provide ways to indicate a need to go by using picture cues.
• Hang visual cues on walls, like step by step picture instructions.  We have all seen the hand washing examples in various bathrooms.  This is a perfect example of these visual cues.
• Demonstrate and explain the process.
• Use a story telling when trying to teach your child the socially acceptable behaviors in public restrooms.  These pretend stories can provide a model to teach your child what is appropriate.
• Teach physical, gestural cues, or sign language so your child can communicate the need easily.
• If your child does not stay long enough on the potty, use a timer and instruct your child to stay seated until timer rings.
• Use positive reinforcement, like a sticker chart to improve motivation.

Remember to teach all aspects of the task.  Independence in toileting or being fully potty trained includes:

1. Getting on and off the toilet. 
2. Managing fasteners and clothing.
3. Cleansing after toileting.
4. Washing and drying efficiently without supervision.

Potty training requires a lot of time and patience.  If you continue to have problems, you may want to consider getting professional assistance from an Occupational Therapist.  Good luck, and happy potty training!