Learning to use the toilet doesn’t happen all at once, and it doesn’t happen at the same time for all young children. At Childreach, we are asked about how to begin toilet teaching or, often, about what to do when it seems like transitioning to using the toilet is a struggle for your child.

It’s important to know that there isn’t one right way to learn to use the toilet. Your child is becoming more aware of how their body works, and they are learning to do something new. There are many different methods of toilet learning practiced around the world and about how and when to start toilet learning. The most important points to remember are:

start toilet learning when there aren’t other big events happening for you and your child
prepare your environment so that your child knows where to go and what supplies to use
try to relax, be patient and consistent, and recognize that this is a developmental process for your child

Our Parent Support Coaches are happy to listen, provide reassurance, and information tailored to your family’s needs when you visit our programs or contact us through Parent Connect. To support you as you gather information from home, we’ve compiled a few trusted resources below that we hope will be helpful.

A child sits fully clothed on a potty in a washroom. This is sometimes a toilet practicing or learning strategy.

Please note: A couple of these links may lead to a larger website that offers paid resources. We are not suggesting that you need to purchase materials from these websites – any links included are for freely available information.

General Information:

Toilet Learning – Canadian Pediatric Society: Caring For Kids

Potty Training: Learning to use the toilet – Zero To Three

Montessori Potty Training: A guide to toilet learning – The Montessori Site

Time to Go Potty!: Navigating toilet training – PBSKids For Parents

Songs, Stories, and More:

Potty Time – Sesame Street

Potty Song – The Kiboomers

Helping Kids to Learn to Use the Potty – PBSKids for Parents