Essential Back-to-School Tips for Potty Training

As the back-to-school season kicks into high gear, you may be wondering how to prepare your little ones for using the potty while they’re at school. 

Whether your child is heading off to daycare, stepping into kindergarten for the first time, or returning to a familiar classroom, I want you and your child to be ready for this transition!

To make this process smoother and ensure your child feels confident and comfortable, follow these essential tips for potty training success.

HOW TO SET YOUR CHILD UP FOR POTTY SUCCESS AT SCHOOL OR DAYCARE

Understand School Potty Requirements

Before diving in to all the tips and tricks, it's crucial to understand your child’s school policies regarding potty training. Each school has their own requirements and, these can even be influenced by different state laws.

Strict Potty Requirements:

In some states, like Utah, children must be fully potty trained before starting kindergarten. Certain preschools may have similar requirements.

Flexible Potty Policies:

Other schools might be more accommodating and offer support if a child still needs help.

Inquire about these potty training policies to prepare your child appropriately and request any necessary accommodations that may be included in your child’s education plan. If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan, be sure to ask about including potty-related accommodations in your child’s plan.

Potty Preparation is Key

1. Know the School’s “Lay of the Land”

Find out where the bathrooms are located in your child’s school. Some classrooms have bathrooms, while others may require students to walk outside the classroom to access them. Understanding this layout will help you guide your child on how to navigate bathroom breaks effectively.

Bathroom Location:

Is it inside or outside the classroom?

Bathroom Breaks:

Are there set times for bathroom breaks, or will your child need to ask the teacher to go?

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

Walk your child through various scenarios to familiarize them with what to expect:

Role-Playing:

Pretend to be the teacher and have your child practice asking for permission to go to the bathroom. Use different situations that your child may encounter when they get the urge to go potty, like while on the playground or in the cafeteria.

Promote Independence:

Ensure your child knows how to perform essential tasks like wiping, flushing, and washing hands. Practice these skills to build their confidence and independence.

3. Meet the Teacher and School Visit

If possible, attend any pre-school events such as an open house or meet-the-teacher. This is a perfect opportunity to:

Practice Potty at School:

Have your child use the bathroom at the school during these visits to explore the new bathroom and get comfortable with using it.

Communicate with the Teacher:

Discuss any specific needs your child might have and how the teacher can support them in managing bathroom breaks effectively.

First Day of School

As the first day approaches, consider these final tips:

(This tips can come in handy after the first day of school, too!)

Morning Preparation:

A quick review of bathroom procedures can be helpful, but avoid overwhelming your child with too much focus on potty training. After all, this day should be fun!

Easy-to-Manage Clothing:

Dress your child in clothes that are easy to remove and put back on. Avoid pants with complicated buttons or zippers.

Pack Extra Clothes:

Send your child to school with a change of clothes in their backpack for accidents - just in case!

Reinforce and Encourage Potty Success

During the initial days of school, keep a positive focus and help your child through any hiccups.

Potty Rewards:

If you used a reward system during potty training, consider temporarily bringing it back or enhancing it to encourage success. Praise and excitement can go a long way in reinforcing good habits. A visual chart can also help to bridge the gap and promote success at school.

Support and Patience:

Be patient and encouraging. Accidents may happen, and you’ll want to handle them calmly. Avoid bringing too much attention to the slip-up. Instead celebrate successes (even the “little” ones) and provide gentle reminders and support as your child continues to learn to comfortably use the potty at school.

Potty Problems at School and Overcoming Them

If your child is struggling with frequent accidents despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to seek additional help. Together, we can get past these potty setbacks!

Book a Potty Problem-Solving Call to address your child’s potty challenges.

We will to discuss strategies and create a plan so that your child can start using the potty at school with confidence!

By following these tips and staying supportive, you can help your child transition smoothly into their school routine while managing potty training effectively.

Remember, patience and preparation are your best tools for success!