At Discovery Tree we approach toileting as any other learning experience, further, your child is not being "trained" (as in to do tricks) they are learning the skills to toilet independently!

In order for your child to have success (and to save your sanity) we would like to share information and ideas to make this transition go as smoothly as possible.

One of the most important factors in successful toileting is physical development not age. The child must have developed the muscles for bladder and sphincter control, otherwise, it is to soon to attempt toileting. Other signs of readiness include:

• Verbal ability to state toileting needs
• Recognizing the sensation of needing to "go"
• Voluntary control and release of bladder and sphincter muscles
• Fine motor skills refined to manipulate clothing
• Emotional readiness (desire) to progress independently

When a child is exhibiting the above signs, it may be time to begin transitioning to toilet learning as well as talking to your child's teachers regarding consistency for home and school. The following steps will help for a smooth transition.

• Acquaint your child with the commode or "potty chair" whichever you will be using. Let them sit on and experience the feel (your child has probably already seen you but may have a fear of falling in). There are child seats on the market that fit on a traditional commode, but have a smaller opening to prevent falling in.
   
• While your child is still in diapers take your child to the bathroom at regular intervals to try to "go" in the toilet. Don't ask "do you need to go" simply say "it's time to go to the bathroom", when they do go in the toilet give positive strokes, if they use their diaper simply change it as you have been.
   
• When your child has had success regularly going (or asking to "go") in the toilet, it is time to put away diapers and change to ~ or training pants. Please be aware that accidents are frequent during this period, when the child is recognizing the sensation, the need to stop what they are doing and go to the bathroom. Often their play is more important or they simply forget because they have had 2-3 years of not worrying about wet clothes. Also, be aware that many children do fine when urinating in the toilet but think it's 'yucky' to have a BM and may ask for a diaper to defecate. This too shall pass!!
   
• Be consistent and patient. The child needs consistent messages of acceptance and to know what to expect. If you are frustrated or in a hurry etc. and put your child in a diaper one day, pull-ups the next day and underwear the next-is it surprising that your child is having a problem knowing what is expected of him/her?
   
• Children who are learning to independently toilet will need several changes of clothing. Make sure the clothes are simple and free from complicated buttons, zippers, buckles, snaps and suspenders which may inhibit the success of self-help skills.
   
• While children are refining their self-help skills, toileting accidents will occur. Please encourage the child to take as much responsibility for his/her accidents as they are capable of. For example, the removal of soiled clothing and bedding, storage of wet clothes, cleaning their body and putting on dry clothing. Children can accomplish all of these tasks, however, it will take more time for your child so please keep that in mind and schedule it in. All of these tasks are a part of the logical consequences of having an accident and should be approached in a non-judgmental, calm, matter-of-fact way. Taking responsibility for his/her actions gives children the autonomy and gratification they require to continue learning their body's signals and mastering these skills. This process also reinforces how much simpler it will be to use the toilet!
   
• Communicate with the staff at Discovery Tree daily, regarding progress and changes for your child. Also, if the steps outlined above are not working for your child, see us for other suggestions, as childrens' temperaments and needs vary so might their toilet learning process.
   
• Keep a sense of humor... remember you rarely see a college student in pull-ups, ha ha.