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5 Things to Consider When Potty Training

Being a speech therapist, we work closely with children and their parents and often get asked about helping their child navigate the big milestone of potty-training. There is not one way that seems to work for every child, but here are some things to consider when it’s time to start potty training regarding speech and language.

  1. Is your child ready? Can they answer “yes/no” questions, follow directions and initiate a request (whether using signs, words, or pictures)? If so, they should be ready to start this process, but if not, it would be good to focus on those things before beginning.
  2. Introduce your child to the potty and all the vocabulary that goes along with it. You can find many potty-training books that are designed to introduce your child to this new concept.  You will want your child to understand all the words you will be using for potty training, and it is also important to keep the same vocabulary consistent (which words your family will use when discussing using the restroom, and what names you will use to label body parts etc.)
  3. Start to narrate the steps for going to the bathroom. Depending on your child’s needs, you can verbally narrate or use pictures.  Use descriptions that match your child’s language level (words, phrases, pictures, gestures, etc.) Here is an example of a picture sequence you can print and keep in the bathroom.
  4. Decide the best way for your child to communicate to you the need to use the restroom. Depending on your child’s communication level, you might teach them to say just the word “potty” or the sentence “I need to potty”.  You can also teach the sign for potty (make a fist with your thumb sticking out between the index and middle finger and shake wrist).  You can also use pictures and keep a picture near the restroom that your child can grab and bring it to you to request to help with going to the restroom.
  5. Be patient and positive and think about using rewards and not punishments. Reinforce your child with stickers, food, or whatever they may find motivating.  It is important to consider that if your child is not having success, they might not be ready.  Remaining positive will help to eliminate stress and anxiety that can be associated with this process.

–Carrie Ravine M.S., CCC-SLP

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Crystal Scheibe

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Great place, glad we found them. Been going to Medina over 2 months now and he loves Lauryn and Kyler. Wish they had more ABA therapy places available... live in Wooster and long drive everyday.

Karrie Swan LaRock

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My 11 year old son has dyslexia and has made noticeable gains in working At LLA THERAPY. Katie is strong in her approach toward him and also keeps him comfortable enough to perform well. We will continue visiting both the Fairlawn and Hudson offices and recommend them highly.

Ron Monroe

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My 9 year old just completed about 9 months of weekly speech sessions (due to his stuttering) with Matt Hagge at LLA and we are thrilled with the experience and results. What I thought might be a negative (what kid really wants to go to speech class?) was made very positive by Matt, and my son never hesitated or complained when we talked about class. He really enjoyed it and really took what Matt taught him to heart. His speech has been greatly improved and we definitely recommend LLA. Thank you so much!

Heather Dougherty-Pantoja

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My son’s Occupational Therapist, Jess, is an amazing OT! She gives practical tips on working with my son at home and school!

Terri Apgar

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I cannot say enough good things about LLA Therapy. My daughter was a client of Teal Simmons’ for approximately 2 years and was just released from speech therapy! She was diagnosed with Apraxia in 2015 and worked with Teal twice a week. Through Teal’s application of PROMPT therapy, my daughter had age-appropriate speech after one year. All of the staff we interacted with at LLA were absolutely wonderful. They really care about what they do and making sure your child achieves their goals.

Kelli Geisler Davisson

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for my son as well as my family! My son always asks, "When can I go see Ms. Jeannine again, is it Monday??" He has also made huge gains in only 5 months! I would highly recommend LLA and have already shared my experience with friends looking for services!

Victoria Hansford-Price

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We are so grateful for our Speech Therapist Ms.Teal. We have seen a great improvement with our sons confidence and communication abilities since we have started "Prompt" therapy. What we love the most about LLA and Ms. Teal is that Kohl feels comfortable and relaxed which has played a critical role in his progress. Thank you Ms. Teal for all you have done.

Laura Lee Hogsett

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They have helped in numerous ways. Speech, OT and behavioral. I've had numerous compliments on my son's progress thanks in very large part to LLA. I would recommend LLA before I recommend our local children's hospitals, though they are good, they don't have the staff that LLA does.

Amy Furukawa

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We had a great experience with Matt Hagge at LLA! Our Middle School age son was becoming very conscious of his voice, which is nasal due to a cleft palate. Matt helped him to better form his sounds and project his voice in a way that makes the unavoidable nasality less noticeable.Our son is more confident and outgoing & even took on a speaking role in the church play. Matt has the perfect personality to relate with our son, and we would recommend him to anyone needing speech therapy services!

Jessica Havalotti

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for our daughter. I would highly recommend LLA. Miss Grace was so amazing and I can't believe how quickly our daughter showed improvement. Thank you!
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