Get Ready for Toilet Training

​​​*Information in this section was originally developed by a team that created a website for families focused on “raising deaf kids” (see About Us​). The content may have been edited or updated.

Get ready to spend a lot of time in the toilet! Relax and enjoy spending this special time with your child. Read this page for ideas to help your child get ready for
potty training:

Talk to your child ​​​

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• Before you start, make sure that you both know the words or signs for toilet, pee and poop (if you are signing to your child).
  
• Talk about how the body works. Tell her she needs to wait to pee or poop in the potty or toilet.
• Use pictures to teach your child how to use the potty or toilet:
• In the bathroom put up pictures showing the steps to take. This will help your child know what to do.
• Include a picture showing someone washing her hands after using the toilet or have a picture of the sink and soap.
• Avoid words like "dirty" or "stinky” when you explain how her body works. This might embarrass her.
• Tell her why it is good to use the potty:
• No more diaper rash
• She will be clean and dry.
• It is an important step towards growing up.
• Use dolls or action figures to show your child how to use the potty. Make it fun!
• Train the doll to go to the potty.
• Praise and give a sticker or small reward when the doll goes to the potty successfully.
• Use this as a way to encourage your child. If she uses the potty successfully, she can also get a sticker or other small reward.
• With your child color pictures of a boy (for boys) or a girl (for girls) using the potty. While coloring, explain how one uses the toilet. You can find sample coloring pages at Printable Going Potty Coloring Pages - Coloring Home Choose a potty-training chair or the adult toilet seat.

The Potty Chair

• Your child can sit comfortably. You can also move it to different places around the house.
• Let your child put stickers on it. Let her sit on it and watch TV. This will help her get used to it.
• Take her to the potty chair whenever she needs to go. Tell her how to use it and what to do.
• Show her what you mean by throwing what's in her dirty diaper into the potty.

The Adult-Size Toilet Seat

• It is easy to clean up. It makes using toilets away from home easier for your child.
• Get a small step stool so your child can climb on and off the toilet. Also, get an adjustable seat.
• Remember to explain to her how to use the toilet whenever she needs to go.

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