Parenting is a journey filled with moments of joy, laughter, and, yes, a fair share of challenges. Potty training is a challenge that often overwhelms parents, especially when their kids are neurodivergent. But fear not! This guide is here to help you navigate this milestone with confidence. We’ll be exploring how to potty train a toddler, providing you with actionable steps and strategies tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Recognize the Signs
Before diving into the “how” of potty training, it’s crucial to understand the “when.” Potty training isn’t about hitting a specific age but recognizing developmental signs. Kids with thinking and learning differences may show readiness at different times, and that’s perfectly okay.
So, what are these signs? Your child might start staying dry longer, showing interest in the bathroom, or communicating about bodily functions. This signals that your little one might be ready to start potty training.
Read more: How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Toddler?
Step 2: Create a Comfortable Environment
The environment plays a crucial role When figuring out how to potty train a toddler. Your child needs to feel safe and comfortable during this process. A good starting point is using a potty chair your child can easily access.
Make the bathroom a welcoming space. Consider decorating it with their favorite characters or colors. Remember, the goal is to make the process enjoyable, not intimidating. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in making this a smooth transition.
Customize visual schedules that teach kids independence. No more nagging, no more stress.
Step 3: Establish a Routine
Consistency is the name of the game in potty training. Establishing a routine helps your child understand when to use the potty. This could be first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime.
But remember, routines aren’t set in stone. Be flexible and adjust as needed. After all, every child is unique, and what works for one might not work for another.
Step 4: Use Visual Aids
Visual aids can be a powerful tool in teaching neurodivergent kids how to potty train. These aids can be anything from charts and pictures to apps on a learning tablet like Goally, designed to support kids with thinking and learning differences.
These visual aids make potty training more tangible and less abstract, helping your child understand the process better.
Step 5: Be Patient and Positive
Patience is your best friend when figuring out how to potty train a toddler. There will be accidents and setbacks, but that’s part of the learning curve. Stay patient, maintain a positive attitude, and celebrate small victories to motivate your child.
Remember, every child learns at their own pace. So, even if progress seems slow, don’t lose heart. Your child is learning a new skill, and that takes time.
Read more: Printable Potty Training Charts
Goally | 100+ Streaming Video Classes
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.
HERE’s a video explaining how to works.
Wrapping Up
And there you have it! A practical, step-by-step guide on how to potty train a toddler. Remember, every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is to stay patient, flexible, and positive. With time, your child will master this essential skill, and you’ll both become stronger on the other side. Here’s to successful potty training and the many milestones to come with your Goally by your side!
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.
