Learning to use the toilet—sometimes referred to as potty training—is one of the most significant milestones in a toddler’s development. Although it may seem a bit stressful for both parents and the child, with the right approach it can become a natural and rewarding experience. At TEQUESTA, we have been supporting parents in this process for years, ensuring that children, in a sense of security and mutual trust, acquire the skills essential for adult life. Below, we present a few practical tips that may help in teaching your child to use the toilet independently.
1. Recognize Your Child’s Readiness
Every child develops at their own pace, so it is crucial not to rush the first attempts at potty training. Pay attention to signs that indicate your child is ready to start using the toilet. Possible signals include:
- Longer periods of dryness in the diaper: the toddler remains “dry” for 2–3 hours.
- Interest in what adults do in the bathroom: the child starts to observe and imitate your behavior.
- Awareness of physical needs: the toddler can indicate (through words or gestures) that something has happened in the diaper or is about to happen.
At TEQUESTA, thanks to children observing peers and adults, they often notice these new, exciting skills more quickly. Additionally, the presence of children from various countries and cultures can encourage them to try together and share experiences.
2. Choose the Right Moment
It is best to pick a period in your child’s (and family’s) life when things are relatively calm. Avoid times of major changes, such as moving house, the birth of a sibling, or starting a new stage of education. This way, your child will have more focus and energy to devote to this new challenge.
3. Prepare the Right “Tools”
- A potty or a child seat for the toilet: depending on your child’s preference. A potty may be lower and more suited to their height, whereas a toilet seat gives them the chance to use the “grown-up” toilet safely.
- A step stool (if you use a toilet seat): helps your child get onto the seat independently and then rest their feet comfortably, providing stability.
- Comfortable clothing: choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off so that your little one is not discouraged during the first attempts.
4. Create a Positive Atmosphere
At TEQUESTA, we always emphasize how important it is for a child to feel safe and comfortable. While teaching your child to use the toilet, remember to:
- Stay calm: if an accident happens (which is completely normal!), remain patient. Your child is just learning to recognize signals from their body.
- Praise achievements: every success (even if it seems small) boosts your child’s self-confidence and encourages further progress.
- Allow for some fun: being on the potty or toilet doesn’t have to be boring. Some toddlers like to look at books, others enjoy singing songs—these small forms of entertainment help them relax and become familiar with the new situation.
5. Explain Step by Step
Although using the toilet is second nature to adults, a child is venturing into totally new territory. It’s worth introducing them to the subject:
- Show and name body parts, and also explain concepts related to using the toilet (for example, “pee,” “poop”). This way, your child will better understand what is happening in their body.
- Give them time to observe – if it’s acceptable in your home, let your child occasionally “observe” parents in the bathroom. Children learn through imitation, so it helps if they see how mom or dad manages in the bathroom.
- A farewell ritual for diapers – agree together that at a certain point, you’ll try to use diapers only at night or during longer outings, then say goodbye to them in a fun way (for example, singing a song or decorating the potty with stickers).
6. Establish Clear Rules and Routine
Consistency and regularity are key to success. You might introduce a schedule—for example, sitting on the potty right after waking up, before and after naptime, or before going out for a walk. In TEQUESTA’s nurseries and preschools, we use similar strategies so that children have designated times throughout the day for using the toilet. This regularity gives them a sense of security.
7. Be Patient and Flexible
Not every child transitions from diapers to the potty in a matter of a few days. Sometimes it takes weeks or even months for a toddler to feel confident. If you notice that your child is overly stressed, postpone the training to a later time. For most children, a break doesn’t undo previous progress; in fact, it can help them gain emotional distance.
8. Support from Specialists and Peers
At TEQUESTA, we ensure that children have the opportunity to observe and support each other in learning new skills. Our international teachers, in addition to having extensive experience working with children from various countries, can naturally incorporate multicultural aspects. As a result, our little ones learn that although using the toilet can sometimes be challenging, it is a completely normal part of daily life all over the world.
9. Don’t Lose Your Smile ????
Potty training can be challenging, but don’t forget the most important thing—your relationship with your child and a sense of humor. A relaxed and cheerful atmosphere at home or in preschool helps the child cope better with new tasks. Each new milestone in a child’s development is a reason to celebrate—even if there are sometimes unplanned mishaps along the way.
In conclusion, the key to success in teaching a child to use the toilet is patience, calm, and consistency. Every child follows their own rhythm, so observe and support them without applying too much pressure. At TEQUESTA, we believe that a friendly, family-like atmosphere and mutual trust help children build self-confidence—even when it comes to such a basic yet crucial skill as using the toilet on their own.
If you have any additional questions or need support in the next stages of raising and educating your little one, feel free to contact us—we are always happy to help, drawing on our many years of experience working with children from different parts of the world. Good luck with this new adventure!
