Step 3: Trip training before going to the toilet

This article is part of the Ready Steady Potty series. It is based on a video, created by Sethu Centre. The presenter guides you through the process of trip training. Once parents are prepared, and are aware how often they need to take their children to the toilet, they can then take the next step. The next step is ‘trip training’. 

Steps in trip training

Before starting the trip training, make sure that the child knows words such as ‘bathroom’, ‘pee’, ‘toilet’. For non-speaking children, encourage them to use gestures or signs or use picture cards that show the toilet.

The sequence of steps that can be followed to start trip training are:

Step 1:Tell the child that is time to go to the toilet, by saying “It is time to go to the toilet”

Step 2: Encourage the child to repeat any of the words such as “Toilet” or “Bathroom”. A non-speaking child can communicate through gestures or using picture cards. 

Through these steps, the parents are modelling what they expect the child to do later in order to self initiate. 

Step 3: Once in the bathroom, help the child by physical prompts to undress

Step 4: Have the child sit or stand (for a girl or boy respectively). You know the child has to pee, based on your data calculations. So, ideally wait till they pee. If they do not pee, let them get up and walk around and then go back to the toilet.

Step 5: Let the child empty their bladder completely. Do not interrupt, since partially emptying the bladder might lead to accidents later.

Step 6: Once the child goes to the toilet successfully, positively reinforce the child with a lot of praise.

An important thing to remember however, is to use reinforcement appropriately. Do not say “If you go to the toilet, you will get chocolate (or any other favourite thing).”  or “You wet your pants, now you will not get the chocolate”. This will create unwanted emotional insecurity in the child. Instead just follow through with positive reinforcement, whenever the child uses the toilet successfully. 

Step 7: Assist the child to get down from the toilet, once done and remind them to flush the toilet. Help the child pull up their pants.

Step 8: Remind the child to wash their hands.

It is important to initially model these things to ensure that these skills are in place, well before the child starts using the toilet independently.

After the child has used the toilet successfully, make a note of it in the data sheet used for recording the information. Mark ‘T’ for toilet and not ‘W’ since the child has used the toilet successfully. 

Remember to praise and motivate yourself too, since an important part of independent self care skill has been achieved.

What to do when there are accidents:

• Accidents can happen. In case the child wets themself before you take them to the child, just change the child into dry clothes. 
• Do not ignore the accident. Neither is it helpful to blame the child or reprimand them. Instead, simply take him inside to change them. 
• Remember to make a note of this in the data collection sheet, marking a ‘W’ this time. The time for the child’s next bathroom visit will start from this particular time noted. 

Follow the routine consistently

• Trip training is to be continued consistently for 2 weeks. Do not make any changes before that. 
• Do not discourage the child when there are accidents. Just help the child change into dry clothes and carry on for the remainder of the schedule.
• Acknowledge and reinforce each time the child uses the toilet successfully.
• Adhering to the schedule is important throughout. 
• However, if the child asks to go to the toilet in between the schedule, do not stop them. Irrespective of the schedule, take the child to the toilet when asked. This will further strengthen the training. 
• You may also notice that the child may occasionally start using the toilet independently. Remember to reinforce such occasions.

Following these steps consistently will help the child understand that trips to the toilet means that they have to use it to pee. Sticking to a schedule will reinforce this habit and gradually train the child to go to the toilet themselves or ask to be taken, when they have the need.

After pursuing her training as a special educator, the presenter, Madhura Manerikar was compelled to devote her time and teaching skills to children with special needs. During her work experience at Sethu, she developed an interest in teaching children with autism.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this article is for information purposes only.