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If you’ve been following our series on ADHD, you’ll know that every milestone comes with its own unique challenges—and triumphs.
One of the more complex hurdles we’ve faced with Skye has been toilet training.
It’s been a slower process for her compared to many of her peers, but it’s also taught us so much about patience, persistence, and celebrating small wins.
Skye only transitioned out of nappies during the day when she was 4.
Up until then, she didn’t show any signs of being ready, even though her friends—some as young as 2—had already moved on from nappies.
Now, at 5, she’s nappy-free during the day but still needs reminders to use the toilet regularly and wears nappies at night.
It’s been a journey, but it’s one we’re tackling with love and understanding.
If your child has ADHD and you’re struggling with potty training, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about why this can be harder for kids with ADHD and share some tips to make the process more manageable.
Why is Toilet Training Harder for Kids with ADHD?
Toilet training isn’t just about bladder control—it involves recognising body signals, staying focused on a task, and following steps in order.
For kids with ADHD, these things can feel overwhelming because of the way their brains work.
Here are some reasons why children with ADHD might face more challenges with potty training:
- Delayed Bladder Signal Recognition: Kids with ADHD may have delays in their central nervous system development, which can affect their ability to detect when they need to use the bathroom.
- Difficulty Recognising Body Cues: Even if their bladder is full, they might not realise it because they’re distracted or hyper-focused on something else.
- Rushing Through the Process: Hyperactivity and short attention spans can make it hard for kids to sit on the toilet long enough to fully empty their bladder or bowels, leading to accidents later.
- Prone to Distraction: They may delay using the bathroom until the last possible moment, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Practical Tips for Toilet Training Kids with ADHD
While every child is different, these strategies have been helpful for us (and many other families) when navigating this process:
- Timed Toileting
Set a timer to remind your child to use the bathroom every 1–2 hours. This helps them get into the habit of regular bathroom breaks before accidents happen. - Encourage Longer Bathroom Visits
Help your child slow down by turning bathroom time into a more structured process. When they think they’re done, count to five together and ask if they feel like they could go more. If they struggle to stay put, let them hold a small toy or read a favourite book while sitting. - Recognise Early Signs
Teach your child (and the rest of your family) to look out for common signs that it’s time for a bathroom break, like squirming, squatting, or holding their genital area. - Reward Progress
Positive reinforcement works wonders. Sticker charts or small rewards can keep their spirits high and turn the process into something to look forward to. - Use Visual Aids
A step-by-step visual guide can make the whole routine easier to understand. Place it near the toilet to remind your child of each step: pants down, sit on the toilet, use toilet paper to wipe, pants up, flush, wash hands, and dry hands.
A Note on Night-Time Challenges
If your child still needs nappies at night, know that this is completely normal, especially for kids with ADHD. Bladder control during sleep often develops later and can take time. Until then, focus on day-time habits and give yourself (and your child) grace as they grow.
Take it One Step at a Time
Toilet training with ADHD is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. Celebrate the small victories, laugh through the messy moments, and remind yourself that your child’s timeline is just as valid as anyone else’s.
I want to note that I’m not a professional; I’m simply a mom sharing personal experiences and the research I’ve done to help us with Skye.
If you have specific concerns about your child’s potty training journey or any other developmental challenges, I encourage you to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance tailored to your child’s needs.
If this resonates with your experience, or if you have any tips or stories to share, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey!
