Use a series of pictures designed to support your child’s independence as they learn the skills needed for successful toileting.
The pictures break toileting into clear, manageable steps so you can focus on teaching the skills your child needs most.
How to use the pictures
Choose the pictures that match your child’s learning goals.
It’s best to not use too many pictures at one time. Select a few pictures focusing on steps your child is still learning rather than what they can already do by themselves.
For example:
- sitting on the toilet
- how to wipe the bottom
- hand washing routine
- remembering the key steps of the toilet routine.
Create a simple tool your child can rely on
You may wish to:
- use single pictures as a communication tool. For example, your child may use the toilet picture to request the toilet.
- cut out and laminate the individual pictures you have selected
- place pictures in order on a ring clip to use as flip cards
- place the pictures in order on the wall next to the toilet to guide your child through each step
- make a book using the pictures that you and your child can read together, or that your child can use while sitting on the toilet
Adapt the pictures to suit your child
These ideas are just a starting point, and you can adapt this tool to suit your child. For example:
- add or reduce the number of pictures to focus on the steps your child is practicing
- celebrate progress by pointing to steps that have been completed, for example, by adding a sticker.
Every learning step your child takes will support their growing confidence. Your guidance will help them develop lifelong skills.