Lesson Plan
Topic: Toilet Training
Instructor: Helen Greenbergs
Age Range: parents of 24-36 month olds
Time: 45 minutes
I. Anticipatory Set
Toilet Training happens in stages. Some children in the class may be completely potty trained, but most are probably in diapers, getting ready to potty train, or beginning potty training.
Whip around: Parents answer: Where are you now with potty training?
II. Instruction
Avoid the power struggle! – can’t force a child to potty train, but (when they are ready) you can set up the environment to assist them
Wait until they are ready
Keep a positive attitude
Necessary circumstances – typically at age 2-3 years
- Physical maturity – bladder capacity; muscle control and coordination to hold,
relax and push; to undress/redress
- Cognitive maturity – to sense urge in time; to leave an activity in time; to cope
with sometimes scary toilets, flushing, etc.
Signs of readiness
- Waking up dry and clean from naps (and eventually in the morning)
- Telling you they need to go potty BEFORE they go
- Showing interest in the toilet (asking, paying attention to others using the toilet,
communicating when their diaper is wet or dirty
Encouraging the use of the toilet
- pick the right time – when they show signs of readiness, you have the time and
energy, no other major changes are expected to occur
- dress your child in clothing that is easily removed
- take advantage of nature – take them to the toilet when they wake, right after
meals, and right before bath
- take them to the toilet every 2 hours and when they ask/indicate
- make it a positive experience – praise attempts, praise successes, reassure/be
neutral when they aren’t successful, sing/read/talk when they are on the
potty, never force them to sit, never punish/criticize them regarding toilet
training
- don’t make going potty TOO powerful (Disneyland trips, etc.)
Special Issues
Boys and aim – toss a few cheerios or fruit loops in the water for them to aim at
Girls and hygiene – be especially careful to help them learn to wipe front to back
to avoid urinary tract infections
Accidents – don’t be mad
they are part of the learning process
always have extra clothing
Night time – use diapers/pull ups until they are consistently dry
expect occasional accidents after that
pediatricians don’t suggest anything until a child is 7-8 and still
wetting the bed
III. Guided Practice
Parents are encouraged to share ideas they have found helpful in their efforts at potty training, and cooperatively problem solve issues they are struggling with currently (examples: using the bathroom away from home, problems with constipation, etc.).
IV. Closure
Remember there aren’t very many 5-year-olds who aren’t trained – it WILL happen
V. Independent Practice
Parents are encouraged to implement the strategies discussed in class, at home with their child.