The Basic Steps for Using the Toilet
Using the bathroom means sitting on the toilet, using it to go to the bathroom, and then cleaning yourself. The steps happen in the same order every time, and practicing them the same way each time helps your body learn the routine.
Start by pulling down your pants or underwear and sitting on the toilet seat. Your bottom should be on the seat, not hanging over the edge. If you are small, a step stool in front of the toilet helps your feet touch the ground, which makes it easier to push. Stay sitting until you are done — this usually takes a few minutes, but everyone is different.
When you are finished, use toilet paper to wipe yourself. Reach behind your body and wipe from front to back — this is important for staying clean and healthy. Use a new piece of toilet paper each time you wipe, and keep wiping until the paper comes away clean. This may take three to five wipes, or more.
Key Takeaways
- Pull down your pants, sit on the toilet seat with your bottom fully on it, and stay sitting until you are done.
- Wipe yourself with toilet paper, always wiping from front to back, using a fresh piece each time.
- Flush the toilet by pushing the handle or button, which sends the waste down and refills the bowl with clean water.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after every bathroom visit.
- If you have an accident, stay calm — accidents are normal during potty training, and you can try again next time.
Flushing the Toilet
After you wipe, you need to flush. Look for the handle on the side of the toilet or a button on top. Push the handle down or press the button once, firmly. You will hear water rush into the bowl and the waste will disappear down the drain.
Some toilets have a handle you push down, some have a handle you pull up, and some have a button you press. All of them do the same thing. If the toilet does not flush the first time, wait a few seconds and try again — sometimes it needs a moment to refill before it can flush again.
If water starts to overflow or rise too high, stop flushing and tell an adult right away. Do not keep pushing the handle. This means something is stuck, and an adult needs to fix it.
Washing Your Hands After
Washing your hands is the most important step, even though it comes last. Germs from the bathroom stay on your hands, and washing them away keeps you and everyone around you healthy.
Go to the sink and turn on the water. Make it warm, not too hot and not too cold. Put your hands under the water and pump soap into your palm — about the size of a pea is enough. Rub your hands together, making sure to wash between your fingers, the backs of your hands, and under your nails. Keep rubbing for at least 20 seconds — this is about as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.
Rinse your hands under running water until all the soap is gone. Dry them with a clean towel or paper towel. Now you are done and your hands are clean.
What to Do If You Have an Accident
Accidents happen during potty training, and they are completely normal. If you have an accident, do not feel bad or embarrassed. Tell an adult so they can help you clean up and change into dry clothes.
Accidents do not mean you are doing something wrong. Your body is learning a new skill, and learning takes time. Every child has accidents at some point. The more you practice using the bathroom, the fewer accidents you will have.
If you feel like you might have an accident, tell an adult right away. They can help you get to the bathroom quickly. It is always okay to ask for help.
Using a Public Bathroom
Public bathrooms in stores, restaurants, and schools work the same way as the bathroom at home, but they look a little different. The toilet might be taller or shorter. The handle or button might be in a different spot. The sink might turn on automatically when you put your hands under it, or it might have a handle you turn.
If you are not sure how something works, ask an adult. They can show you where the handle is or how to turn on the water. It is okay to need help in a new bathroom — everyone does sometimes.
In a public bathroom, you might see a toilet seat cover made of paper. You can use this if you want — just put it on the seat before you sit down. After you are done, throw it in the toilet and flush it away. If there is no cover, you can sit directly on the seat. Public toilet seats are safe to sit on.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not wiping enough. If you stop wiping too soon, you will not be clean. Keep wiping until the toilet paper comes away clean, even if it takes more wipes than you expect.
Another mistake is forgetting to flush. If you flush and nothing happens, wait a few seconds and try again. If it still does not work, tell an adult — do not keep trying to flush.
Many children forget to wash their hands after using the bathroom. Make it a habit to wash your hands every single time, even if your hands do not look dirty. Germs are too small to see, so you cannot tell if your hands are clean just by looking at them.
Do not be afraid to ask for help. If you are not sure how to do something or if something does not feel right, tell an adult. They are there to help you learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am scared to sit on the toilet?
Many children feel scared at first. Start by sitting on the toilet with your clothes on, just to get used to how it feels. You can also use a smaller toilet seat that fits on top of the regular seat to make it feel less big. Practice sitting for a few seconds at a time, and tell an adult when you are ready to try using it.
How do I know when I need to use the bathroom?
Your body sends you signals. You might feel pressure in your belly, or a need to go. At first, an adult might remind you to try using the bathroom at certain times, like after meals or before bed. Over time, you will learn to notice these signals on your own.
What if the toilet is too tall or too short for me?
A step stool helps if the toilet is too tall and your feet do not touch the ground. A smaller toilet seat that sits on top of the regular seat can make a tall toilet feel smaller. Ask an adult to help you find something that fits your size.
Is it okay to need help wiping?
Yes. Many children need help wiping at first, and that is normal. An adult can help you until you are strong enough and coordinated enough to do it yourself. You will learn to do it on your own as you practice.
What if I clog the toilet?
If too much toilet paper goes down at once, the toilet might clog. Use less toilet paper each time — you do not need a huge pile. If the toilet does clog, tell an adult right away. Do not keep flushing, because that makes it worse. An adult can fix it.