Tell Me About Potty Training, Please!

"Tell me about potty training, please", a mum asked the other day at Tiny Tribe, our inclusive stay-and-play group for parents and carers with children 0 to 5 years old. Before I impart the wisdom shared by our amazing community, let me give you a flavour of what else was happening during that chat.

The room was alive with little ones exploring and playing. Our playgroup is a stay-and-play haven filled with different stations where children can develop their motor skills and social abilities. Some were busy at the art and craft table, squishing playdough or creating masterpieces with pencils. Others were "shopping" in the play kitchen, while the tiny tots enjoyed sensory toys and zoomed cars across the floor.

For parents, it’s just as much a retreat! There’s always a pastry or an apple to snack on, and if your child is deeply absorbed in play, you might even have a moment to try your hand at a word search, some mindful colouring, or just enjoy a good chat with another parent.

The Potty Chat: Community Wisdom in Action

So, what happened with the potty training question? Marine, who leads the group, had a perfect response: "The first place of enquiry is always the NHS guide and your local health visitor team. But let’s ask the other mums here: what worked for you?"

And just like that, the magic of Tiny Tribe came to life. Ideas started bouncing around, and we witnessed once again the incredible expertise and support that comes from our local community. It’s moments like these that make Tiny Tribe special - a place where parents can connect, share, and learn from one another.

Let’s unpack the wisdom they shared, starting with tips for neurotypical children and then for neurodiverse children.

Potty Training Tips for Neurotypical Children

1. Books Are a Great Start
Potty and toilet-themed storybooks are a fun and gentle introduction to the process. Everyone loves a good story!

2. Be Patient and Decide Your Approach
Is your starting point going to be child-led or adult-led? At Tiny Tribe, most of us lean towards starting with a child-led approach, but there’s no judgment. Every family is different, and ultimately both strategies complement each other - there's a time and a place for each!

Child-Led Approach:
Look for cues like curiosity about the bathroom or staying dry for two hours. Can your child get on and off the potty or toilet? Are they noticing their bowel movements? If yes, they may be ready! Keep a potty nearby, or use a toilet seat with a step (some kids prefer to copy Mum or Dad). Always stay positive and encourage them, even when accidents happen—it’s part of the learning process!

Remember: The NHS says that by age 2, some kids are dry during the day, but this is still considered early.

Adult-Led Approach:
Put your child in underwear and accept there may be accidents—they’ll feel uncomfortable and start to learn the benefits of using the potty or toilet. Take them to the toilet every two hours and always before leaving a place. Be consistent, encouraging, and patient.

Pro Tip: Stay calm—stress can transfer to your child. And don’t worry; no neurotypical child will be in nappies at 15!

Potty Training Tips for Neurodiverse Children

When it comes to neurodiverse children, the journey is as unique as they are. One of the best starting points is the charity Contact, which offers tailored advice for families: Contact’s Toilet Training Guide.

One mum shared her experience with her autistic child, who wore nappies during the day until age 10 and at night until age 12. With the support of a paediatrician and patience, her child eventually transitioned out of nappies entirely. 

The message here is clear: every child is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Trust your instincts, seek professional advice, and lean on supportive communities like Tiny Tribe.

Finishing with Fun and Growth

As always, we concluded our session with our usual reading of stories and singing nursery rhymes, giggling at jingling bells, and practicing listening to instructions. Honestly, we’re all getting so good at it - it’s lovely to see!

Join Us at Tiny Tribe!

We’d love to see you at Tiny Tribe! Whether you need tips on potty training, a friendly chat, or just a moment to yourself while your child explores and plays, our group is here for you.

When: Every Wednesday morning during term time from 10:00 to 12:00. 

• We are currently taking a pause over the holidays and will return on 8th January 2025. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Where: Mint Street Adventure Playground, SE1 1QP

Come join us - have a pastry, meet other parents, and find your tribe.
See you on Wednesday! You can turn up but booking is best: https://eequ.org/experience/9338

Tiny Tribe is funded by Neighbourhood Grant. 

^{Credit: Image by Freepik}