As a parent, especially of a neurodivergent child, you might often ask, “how long does it take to potty train a toddler?” It’s a common question; we’re here to help answer it. This blog post is your guide, filled with practical tips and insights to make the potty training journey smoother.
Table of Contents
Decoding the Potty Training Process
Firstly, let’s get one thing straight: potty training is not a race. It’s a unique journey for every child, especially those with thinking and learning differences. For some, it might take a few weeks; for others, it could stretch into months. But, however long it takes, remember, every child gets there in their own time.
Read more: Beginner Potty Training Chart
There are a few key factors to remember when asking, “how long does it take to potty train a toddler?” Firstly, waiting until your child shows signs of readiness is important. This could be anything from showing interest in the toilet to discomfort in wet diapers. Secondly, consistency is key. Keep a regular schedule to help your child understand when to go to the bathroom. Lastly, remember that this is a learning process. There will be accidents, but stay positive and patient.
Customize visual schedules that teach kids independence. No more nagging, no more stress.
Tools to Aid Potty Training for Neurodivergent Kids
When it comes to potty training kids with special needs, a few extra tools can help. For example, visual schedules and social stories can make the process more understandable. A reward system can also be a great motivator. Goally, with its visual schedules and reward system, can be a helpful tool in this process.
- Visual Schedules: Visual schedules can be a game-changer for neurodivergent kids. They provide a clear visual guide of what to expect, reducing anxiety and confusion. Goally’s visual schedules can be customized to suit your child’s specific needs and preferences, making potty training a less daunting.
- Social Stories: Similarly, social stories can be a great tool. They can help your child understand the why and how of potty training, making the process less daunting. Goally’s library of social stories can be a great resource for this.
A Rough Timeline: How Long Does it Take to Potty Train a Toddler?
Now, let’s address the question: “How long does it take to potty train a toddler?” As mentioned earlier, it varies. However, here’s a general timeline to give you an idea:
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 1-2 weeks |
| Initial Training | 3-7 days |
| Consolidation | 1-2 months |
| Independence | 3-6 months |
Read more: Potty Training: Is Your Child With Autism Ready?
Remember, this is just a guide. Your child might move faster or slower, and that’s okay. The key is to follow their pace and keep the process positive and stress-free.It’s also important to note that potty training doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that requires patience and understanding. But with the right tools, like Goally, and mindset, you and your child can navigate it successfully.
Goally | Learning Videos for Kids
Does your child need some extra guidance on building essential life skills? Goally’s skill building tablet for kids includes a TV app that has the most robust video library of skills training videos for kids. Ranging from content like “How to Brush Your Teeth” to “How to Make Friends at School,” we have dozens of interactive video lessons for kids with thinking and learning differences.
Dive into the Goal Mine channel, where Puffy the Penguin leads your child through behavior skills training videos. They’ll learn social, hygiene, and living skills that are key to their independence. For those moments when they need a break, the Chill Zone channel offers low stimulation video content with Paulie the Penguin at the beach, perfect for relaxation and self-regulation.
Try Goally as an app on any device you have at home for just $15. We also have a dedicated tablet (which ONLY has Goally on it) for $149.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. Potty training is a journey, not a race. It takes time, patience, and a whole lot of love. But with the right tools and mindset, you and your child can navigate it successfully. Remember, every child is unique, especially our neurodivergent kids. So, embrace their individuality and celebrate every small victory along the way. You’ve got this! And remember, Goally is here to help. With its visual schedules, reward system, and library of social stories, it can be a great tool in your potty training journey. So, next time you ask, “how long does it take to potty train a toddler?” remember, you’re not alone. We’re here to help!
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
