Listening to toilet signals — Health, 4–6 years
The body gives signals when it needs to wee or poo. Going in time, wiping and flushing help the body feel comfortable and keep shared spaces clean.
Notice and go
Your tummy or bladder can give a pushing, full or wiggly feeling when it is time for the toilet. Notice the signal and tell an adult if you need help finding one. After using the toilet, wipe carefully, flush and wash your hands.
Why not waiting too long
The toilet signal is the body’s message that waste needs to leave. Waiting too long can make you uncomfortable and may lead to an accident. Wiping and flushing remove waste from your skin and the toilet, while handwashing helps stop tiny germs travelling onward.
Before the journey
Ella feels that her bladder is full before a car trip. First, she tells her mum instead of ignoring the feeling. Next, she uses the toilet, wipes from front to back and flushes. Finally, she washes her hands before getting into the car.
The game can wait
A child may keep playing because stopping feels difficult, especially when friends are waiting. That is a reasonable choice: the game is exciting and the signal may be small at first. But the body’s message can grow stronger quickly, so it is better to pause and return to the game.
In many places
This helps at home, nursery, a park, a restaurant or during a long journey. Toilets may look different, but the order stays similar: go, wipe, flush and wash. If there is pain, blood or a problem that keeps happening, tell a trusted adult.
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