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14.6.3: Toilet Learning

  • Page ID
    225504
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    Learning Objectives
    1. Identify the average age range and developmental signs that indicate readiness for toilet learning.
    2. Describe the typical progression of toilet learning.
    3. Define and differentiate between elimination disorders.

    The toilet learning process typically occurs after the second birthday. Some children show interest by age 2, but others may not be ready until months later. The average age for girls to master the toilet learning process is 29 months, and for boys, it is 31 months. By 36 months, 98% of children have mastered the process (Boyse & Fitzgerald, 2010). However, it is not the child’s age that is as important as his/her physical and emotional readiness. If started too early, it might take longer for a child to engage in and master the toilet learning process..

    According to The Mayo Clinic (2016b), the following questions can help parents determine if a child is ready for toilet learning:

    • Does your child seem interested in the potty chair or toilet, or in wearing underwear?
    • Can your child understand and follow basic directions?
    • Does your child communicate to you through words, facial expressions, or posture when he or she needs to use the bathroom?
    • Does your child stay dry for periods of two hours or longer during the day?
    • Does your child complain about wet or dirty diapers?
    • Can your child pull down their pants and pull them up again?
    • Can your child sit on and rise from a potty chair?

    If a child resists using the toilet, or it is not successful after a few weeks, it is best to take a break and try again when they show more interest in the process. Most children master daytime bladder control first, typically within two to three months of consistent toilet learning. However, nap and nighttime training might take months or even years.

    Child standing in front of a toilet that has a teddy bear sitting on top of the toilet seat
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): A child learning to be toilet trained. Image by Manish Bansal is licensed under CC-BY-2.0.

    Elimination Disorders

    Some children experience elimination disorders, including:

    • Enuresis - the repeated voiding of urine into bed or clothes (involuntary or intentional) after age 5
    • Encopresis - the repeated passage of feces into inappropriate places (involuntary or intentional).

    The prevalence of enuresis is 5%-10% for 5-year-olds, 3%-5% for 10-year-olds, and approximately 1% for those aged 15 years or older. Approximately 1% of 5-year-olds experience encopresis, and it is more prevalent in males than in females. A medical professional diagnoses these and may require treatment. 19

    References, Contributors and Attributions

    19. Lifespan Development: A Psychological Perspective by Martha Lally and Suzanne Valentine-French is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0


    This page titled 14.6.3: Toilet Learning is shared under a CC BY-NC 3.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Heather Carter.

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