Toilet training routine: a simple checklist for kids
A toilet training routine breaks going to the toilet into the same four steps every time: use the toilet, wipe clean, flush and wash hands. Doing them in the same order turns a big new skill into a short list a child can follow, and ticking each one off gives them something to feel proud of, even on days when it doesn't all go to plan.
Here's the Toilet Training routine that comes with Little Streaks, why each step is there, and how to fit it into the rest of the day.
What are the steps of a toilet routine?
Toilet Training
- Use The ToiletThe step that matters most, and the one to celebrate, whatever happened.
- Wipe CleanEasy to skip when they're in a hurry to get back to playing.
- Flush ToiletMany kids like this part, which helps.
- Wash HandsThe step most often forgotten, at any age.
That's all of it. Four steps, each with a picture, so it works for children who can't read yet. Having Wash Hands on the list means the routine isn't finished until hands are clean.
How did it go for one family?
“Toilet training was becoming a struggle. We tried reward charts, reminders and lots of encouragement, but nothing seemed to stick. Then we started using Little Streaks.
Having each step of the routine clearly laid out and being able to mark tasks as complete made a huge difference. Instead of us constantly reminding him, he became excited to do it himself. The celebrations and rewards gave him something to look forward to, and he loved seeing his progress.
Within a few weeks, using the toilet had become part of his daily routine. More importantly, he was proud of doing it independently.
For our family, Little Streaks turned toilet training from a daily battle into a series of small wins worth celebrating.”
Anne, mum of Peter (Adelaide, Australia)
More in Stories from Families.
When should you use a toilet routine?
Toilet Training works best at the moments in the day you already know about: after waking up, before leaving the house, before meals, and before bed.
Go to the Toilet is also a step in some of Little Streaks' other routines, so it comes up at the right time without you having to ask:
- Bedtime (for younger children): after teeth, just before the story.
- Get Ready for Swimming: straight after packing the swim bag.
- Packing for a Trip: last, before you head out the door.
How do you make it stick?
- Praise the trying, not the result. Accidents happen. The routine is about the steps, and every step done counts.
- Let them tick the steps themselves. Holding a task down to tick it off is part of the fun, and part of it being theirs.
- Keep the order the same, at home, at grandparents' and at childcare, so it's the same routine everywhere.
- Use a small reward for finishing, rather than for staying dry. A star for doing the routine is something they can always earn.
Every child gets there in their own time. If you're unsure whether your child is ready, or something doesn't seem right, talk to your GP or child health nurse.
What are the steps for going to the toilet?
Use the toilet, wipe clean, flush the toilet and wash hands. Keeping them in the same order every time helps a child remember all four, including washing hands.
Should you reward toilet training?
Many families give a small reward for finishing the routine rather than for staying dry, so it's something a child can always earn. In Little Streaks, each time the routine is finished, a grown-up can give a star towards a reward you choose.
Is there a printable toilet routine chart?
Yes. There's a free weekly chart (PDF) for Toilet Training, with a box to tick for every task and a star to colour in for each day. Or use Print the checklist for a simple list.
How does it work in Little Streaks?
Toilet Training is an Anytime routine, because it's needed whenever it's needed rather than once a day. It waits in the routine list (tap your child's picture at the bottom) until your child goes, then fills the screen in a bubbles scene. Your child holds each task to tick it off, gets a bubbles celebration for every step, and a finale when the routine is done. It starts fresh each time, so it can be done as often as needed.
At the end, Little Streaks asks a grown-up whether it earns a star. Kids save up stars for a reward you choose, and ask a grown-up when they have enough. An Anytime routine has no streak and is never missed, so a day without it doesn't count against anyone.
You can rename the tasks, add one (like "Pull up your pants") or change the scene. The free version includes one child, up to two routines and one reward.
Little Streaks is a routines and rewards app for kids, for iPhone and iPad. Free to start, with up to two routines.
