Toilet training is a significant milestone in every child’s development, but for some, it can come with unique challenges that leave parents feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. If your child struggles with sensory sensitivities, motor skills, or emotional regulation, the process might feel like an uphill battle. This is where occupational therapy (OT) steps in as a game-changer. In this blog, we’ll explore how OT can support your child’s toilet training journey in six different areas. Improving the following parts and pieces of your child’s bathroom routine will build confidence, and turn a stressful experience into a successful one—empowering both you and your little one along the way.
6 Areas of Focus
Before the next trip to the bathroom, identify, focus, and begin working on the following aspects of your child’s bathroom experience.
Sensory Challenges: Our body needs to be relaxed for toileting. Your child may demonstrate aversion to smells in the bathroom, sound of the toilet flushing or hand dryer, taking on/off clothing, or washing hands in the bathroom. An OT can help address these sensory differences to make toileting less stressful.
Posture and Positioning: Using optimal potty posture will help your child relax pelvic floor to allow the poop and pee exit easier. An OT can help you find the best set up for your child for successful voiding.
Interoceptive Awareness: Children may demonstrate difficulty with hunger cues, noticing hot versus cold, or when to use the bathroom. An OT can help your child tune into their bodies in order to become more successful.
Strength, endurance, and coordination: If your child routinely bears down while going to the bathroom this can cause long term issues. This can result in dysfunction of the pelvic floor muscles and cause issues such as incontinence. An OT can help with coordinated breathing and pelvic health relaxation to help achieve optimal results.
Emotional Regulation Challenges: Children that withhold often want to feel like they have some control over the process of toileting, especially if there is pain involved. An OT can help develop coping skills in order to feel more regulated when participating in toileting routines.
Independence with Dressing and AOLS: Children that exhibit challenges with dressing themselves may have difficulty with toileting. Children may also demonstrate difficulty with wiping themselves after toileting or washing their hands. An OT can assist with becoming independent with those life skills.
Need More Help?
Toilet training doesn’t have to be a daunting task, even if your child faces unique hurdles along the way. With the help of occupational therapy, you can unlock tailored strategies that address your child’s specific needs. Whether it’s mastering the physical skills, overcoming sensory challenges, or building the confidence to succeed. By partnering with an OT, you’re not just helping your child conquer the potty; you’re setting them up for greater independence and self-assurance in all areas of life. So, take that first step, reach out to a professional. After that, watch your child thrive on this journey—one small victory at a time.
If you’ve read these tips and are still concerned, please contact our office at 773-687-9241 to get scheduled for a pediatric pelvic health physical therapy evaluation at Chicago Pediatric Therapy & Wellness Center with our team! More information can be found on our website!
