What this section is about
This includes toilet training, reminders, accidents, withholding, constipation, wiping, sensory issues, fear of toilets, nighttime wetting and hygiene support.
Avoid saying
- They have accidents sometimes.
- They are lazy going to the toilet.
- They should know better.
Better ways to explain
- My child needs regular adult reminders to use the toilet.
- My child struggles to recognise body signals or respond to them in time.
- They require help with wiping, hygiene, changing clothes or managing accidents.
Example wording
My child requires adult prompting and supervision around toileting. They may not recognise or respond to body signals in time and can become distressed by toilet smells, sounds or sensations. They need support with hygiene and changing after accidents.
Evidence that helps
- Continence nurse letter
- records
- School accident logs
- Toilet diary
- Medication for constipation
- Parent diary
Common mistakes
- Being embarrassed and leaving it out
- Forgetting wiping support
- Forgetting constipation
- Forgetting school accidents
- Forgetting nighttime needs
Part of the Bright Steps Ultimate Guide. For the full interactive walkthrough with printable templates, sign in and visit the DLA Guide.