Potty Training
What is potty training?
Potty training is the process of helping a child learn to use the toilet for urine and bowel movements instead of diapers. It includes physical skills (like sitting, balancing, and wiping), awareness of bodily signals, communication about needs, and the routines and environment that support success. For many families, potty training is also about building confidence and independence.
Why it matters
Learning to use the toilet is a big milestone for children and caregivers. When it goes smoothly, it boosts a child’s self-esteem, makes day-to-day life easier, and opens doors to preschool, school activities, and social experiences. When families struggle with potty training, it can feel stressful, confusing, or overwhelming. Support can reduce pressure on both the child and the caregivers and help create a plan that fits your family’s values, schedule, and the child’s unique needs.
What we focus on (plain English)
- Readiness skills: helping you see signs that your child may be ready to start or take the next step.
- Routines and environment: setting up predictable steps, bathroom layout, seating, and clothing that make success more likely.
- Communication: teaching ways your child can tell you when they need to go, and helping you respond consistently.
- Motor and self-care skills: practicing sitting, balance, wiping, and clothing management in a safe, age-appropriate way.
- Sensory and behavior supports: adjusting the bathroom experience for kids who are sensitive to noise, textures, or routines, and using gentle strategies for cooperation.
What to expect in therapy or coaching
First visit: We’ll talk with you about your child’s current skills, routines, and what’s been tried so far. We’ll ask about day and night habits, toileting accidents, and any patterns you’ve noticed.
Personalized plan: We build a step-by-step plan that fits your child and family. This might include short practice sessions, changes to the bathroom setup, prompts and cues that match your child’s communication style, and a schedule for trying toileting at home, daycare, or school.
Coaching and practice: Therapy sessions are practical and hands-on. We coach caregivers in simple language, model techniques, and practice with the child when appropriate. We focus on small, achievable steps and celebrate progress, not perfection.
Troubleshooting and adjustments: If something isn’t working, we look at why and change the approach. Potty learning is rarely a straight line; we help families adapt when children regress, face new environments, or go through big life changes.
Working with others: If you want, we can coordinate strategies with daycare providers, preschool teachers, or your child’s care team so everyone uses consistent approaches.
When to consider support
- You’ve tried multiple approaches and feel stuck or overwhelmed.
- Your child shows persistent refusal or high stress around toileting.
- There are concerns about coordination, following steps, or communicating needs.
- You need a plan that will work at home, daycare, and school.
How we help
- Create a clear, step-by-step plan tailored to your child and family life.
- Coach caregivers with hands-on demonstrations and practical language to use at home.
- Adjust bathroom setup, clothing ideas, and sensory strategies to match your child’s needs.
- Offer short-term check-ins and problem-solving so you don’t feel alone in the process.
If you’re ready to talk, we’ll listen to your goals and help you choose a practical next step that feels manageable for your family.