Children are masters of surprising us daily with new skills and talents leaving us constantly questioning “wow! how/when/where did you learn that?!”. Unfortunately, Toileting is rarely one of those miraculous surprises! It takes time, patience, commitment and a few key signs that your child is ready. There is no perfect age for mastering toileting, it depends on each individual child and when they are ‘ready’ both physically and emotionally.

Here are a few of the signs to look for that shows your child may be ready to take the leap!

• Your child has an interest in all things toilet! Including frequently invading your own toilet privacy! This is an important step for a child to develop and interest, understanding of the process and provide a motivation! Children may also begin to add toilet time to their pretend play.
• Your child is aware when they are wet/soiled. Some children with sensory processing difficulties can experience low sensory awareness making it difficult to know when and how to activate/relax the right muscles.
• Children may begin to show discomfort or request to be changed almost immediately. Children may communicate with words or gestures that they need to be changed.
• There are clear signs before the event. The signs may be a verbal or non-verbal or physical sign, such as facial expression, holding our diaper, squatting or hiding.
• Your child has frequent dry periods. This is where a child demonstrates that they have some control over their bladder. Before the age of 2, children and babies have little to no bladder/bowel control.
• Your child has a predictable routine of bowel movements. We can use this to our advantage! If we can predict when a child is likely to pass motion, when can support them to sit.
• Sitting! When your child feels comfortable and supported for a short time on the toilet. Some children benefit from additional supports such as potty seats with back and side supports or a stool to support their feet. This is very true for children whom may have poor muscle tone or instability.

If your child is showing some or all of the signs it is worth giving it a go! Occupational Therapists can support children who are having difficulty reaching this milestone. OT’s look for signs or barriers that may be delaying success such as sensory processing difficulties, muscle tone or other difficulties.

Written by Laura Taylor, Occupational Therapist.