More Than Just Toilet Training

More Than Just Toilet Training:
Understanding What’s Really Behind the Challenge

As we continue exploring our 2026 theme, Reclaiming Potential with Clarity, we’re looking beyond the challenge of toilet training and asking an important question: what’s really happening for my child?

Toilet training is one of those parenting milestones that almost every family experiences differently.

Some children seem to master it quickly, while others need a little more time, support and understanding. If you’ve ever wondered why your child isn’t quite “getting it” yet, you’re not alone.

At Explore and Soar, we know that successful toileting isn’t just about learning to use the toilet. It’s about understanding what your child’s body is telling them and helping them develop the skills they need to respond confidently.

Understanding Your Child’s Body

Toileting is one of our everyday self-care skills, just like eating, sleeping, dressing and showering. One of the biggest helpers in learning these skills is a sensory system called interoception.

Interoception is our body’s internal messenger. It tells us when we’re hungry, thirsty, tired, too hot, too cold, if we are in pain or when we need to use the toilet. As children grow, they gradually learn to recognise these body signals and respond to them. For some children, this awareness develops naturally, while others need extra support to understand what their body is trying to tell them.

There Is Often More Than One Reason

If your child is finding toileting difficult, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not trying. Sometimes there are underlying reasons that make toileting more challenging. These might include:

Difficulty recognising when they need to use the toilet.
Reduced core strength or gross motor skills, making it harder to sit and balance.
Challenges following the sequence of toileting.
Sensory sensitivities around the toilet environment.
Retained reflexes that may influence continence.
Feeling worried or uncertain about using the toilet or public toilets such as school or community.

Understanding why your child is finding toileting difficult helps us choose the right strategies to support them.

Our Favourite Strategies

Every child is different, so there isn’t one approach that works for everyone. However, these are some of our favourite ways to support children as they learn.

Wait until your child begins showing awareness of being wet or needing the toilet.
Talk through each step of toileting as it happens. Children learn so much by watching, listening and joining in.
Use visual schedules to break the routine into manageable steps.
Make sure everyone supporting your child uses the same approach at home, preschool or school.
Keep the experience positive and playful with songs, encouragement, rewards where needed and praise.
If your child needs extra support, don’t be afraid to ask for help early.

Before You Begin… Our Biggest Piece of Advice is Simple

Observe your child. Notice when they seem aware of needing the toilet. Notice what they find easy. Notice what feels difficult. Notice what happens before accidents occur.

The more we understand what is happening for your child, the easier it becomes to choose strategies that support their success. Remember, toilet training is not a race.

Every child develops at their own pace, and progress will rarely be a straight line. There will be successes, setbacks and plenty of learning along the way. Be patient with your child and just as importantly, be kind to yourself.

More Than Just Toilet Training