JANUARY 2026

New Year, New Goals…

One Flush at a Time

Guiding Children Through Toilet Training

For many families, the new year brings thoughts about toilet training. If your child has communication delays or sensory differences, it’s important to know that toilet training doesn’t have to follow a strict timeline. Readiness looks different for every child—and that’s okay!

Start With Readiness, Not Pressure

Toilet training is about more than using the toilet. It includes body awareness, communication, sensory comfort, and predictable routines. Some signs your child may be getting ready include:

Showing awareness of being wet or dry
Interest in the bathroom or watching others
Ability to sit for a short time
Following simple routines

If these signs aren’t there yet, it doesn’t mean your child won’t be ready—it just means they may need more time.

Supporting Children With Communication Differences

Children don’t need words to start learning toilet routines. You can support communication by:

Using simple, consistent words (like “bathroom,” “sit,” or “all done”)
Pairing words with gestures, pictures, or visual cues
Keeping language short and calm
Praising effort, not just success

Supporting Children With Sensory Differences

Bathrooms can feel overwhelming for some children. To help build comfort:

Let your child explore the bathroom without pressure
Practice sitting on the toilet fully clothed at first
Notice sensory needs (lighting, sounds, seat feel)
Keep the experience calm and predictable

Taking small steps can help your child feel safe and confident.

Build Toilet Learning Into Daily Routines

Rather than asking all day long, try connecting toilet time to routines you already have:

After waking up
Before bath time
Before leaving the house
After meals

Using the same times each day helps your child know what to expect.

Books and Cartoons Can Help

Reading potty-themed books or watching short, fun cartoons about using the toilet can make learning feel playful and exciting. Children love seeing characters go through the same steps they are learning. Choose books with simple pictures, repetition, and humor, and watch cartoons together to spark conversation about what happens in the bathroom. These activities can help your child understand the process, feel more confident, and even enjoy potty time.

Progress Looks Different for Every Child

There may be pauses, setbacks, or days when nothing seems to click—and that’s normal. Remember, every child is different! Toilet training is not a race and not a measure of parenting success. Supporting your child with patience and understanding makes a big difference!

*This information is meant to support families and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s health or toileting habits, please talk with your child’s pediatrician or healthcare provider.*

Toilet Training Resources: (clickable links below)

Resource Spotlight

Findhelp.org is a free, easy-to-use online directory that helps people find programs and support right in their own communities.

~You start by entering your ZIP code, and the site shows a list of nearby services for things like food assistance (food banks, meal programs), housing help (rent or utility support, shelter), healthcare (clinics, mental health services, dental & vision), transportation assistance, financial assistance (utility assistance, internet & phone assistance, medical supplies and prescription assistance), health benefit help, baby supplies, clothing, job training, education support, legal aid, and more!

Each listing includes contact info and steps to access the service, so families can connect directly with programs that might be able to help. Many of the resources are free or low-cost, and the directory is searchable by need and location to make finding support easier and more convenient

The image above comes from From Babbles to Books, a free, downloadable early literacy e-book created to help parents and educators support young children’s language and reading skills. The guide includes practical tips, fun activities, and easy ideas for talking, playing, and reading with children from infancy through early childhood. With more than 100 simple strategies and printable resources, it helps families turn everyday moments into opportunities for language and learning.