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Potty Training: Tips, Tricks, and Resources for Parents

Potty Training Your Incoming Transitional Kindergarten Student

As your child prepares to embark on their educational journey in Transitional Kindergarten (TK), potty training becomes a crucial milestone. While all TK classrooms are located near a bathroom and teachers will encourage students to use the bathroom during breaks, it's important to note that full potty training before the start of the school year is strongly recommended. This will help ensure a smooth transition and a positive learning experience for your child.

What Does It Mean to Be Fully Potty Trained?

A fully potty-trained student should be able to:

  • Come to school in big kid underpants (not pull-ups)
  • Communicate a need to use the bathroom
  • Independently take care of toileting (pull down underpants, sit on toilet or stand at urinal, and void the bowels or bladder)  
  • Independently manage related hygiene (can access toilet paper, wipe, place used toilet paper in the toilet bowl, flush, pull up underpants without assistance, and wash and dry hands)

What happens if my student has an accident at school?

Students will be sent to the office to change if they are wet or wait for their parents to pick them up if they have had a bowel movement.

 

Potty Training Flyer

Potty Training Flyer

How can I learn more about the toilet training process?

Here are links to some helpful articles below. For more specific information or guidance, consult your child’s pediatrician.

Understanding Potty Training Expectations in Transitional Kindergarten

Consistency is key: Encourage your child to wear big kid underpants to school and practice using the bathroom independently.

Communicate needs: Help your child understand and express when they need to use the bathroom.

Independent toileting: Support your child's ability to pull down pants, sit on the toilet or stand at the urinal, and empty the bowels or bladder.

Hygiene practices: Teach your child to access toilet paper, wipe, flush, pull up underpants, and wash and dry hands.

Navigating Potty Training Challenges

Accidents happen: It's normal for children to have occasional accidents. Stay calm and offer positive reinforcement.

School support: If your child has frequent accidents, discuss potential accommodations with their teacher.

Professional guidance: If you're facing significant challenges, consult with your child's pediatrician or a child development specialist.

Potty Training Tips and Strategies

Stay calm and be persistent: Even if you find potty training challenging, remember that you and your child can do this!

Create a positive association: Keep a favorite toy or book by the toilet to make potty time more enjoyable.

Make it easy: Dress your child in loose or no pants while you are teaching them to use the potty.

Use visual aids: Use a doll or stuffed animal to demonstrate how to use the potty.

Start small: Begin by putting your child on the toilet for short periods of time.

Provide positive reinforcement: Praise your child for using the potty, even if they don't go.

Be patient: If your child is resistant, take a break and try again later.

Avoid negative consequences: Never scold your child for having an accident.

Be consistent: Use the same terms when talking about toileting.

Avoid asking questions: Instead, say "Let's go use the potty now!"