Toilet Training as a Learning Journey

Toileting can be one of the most stressful stages of early childhood, especially when it feels rushed or turns into a power struggle. This workshop invites families to step away from the idea of “toilet training” and instead explore toileting as a shared process of learning together.

This workshop will cover:

• Why a learning-based approach reduces stress and power struggles around toileting
• The three key areas of readiness and how to recognise them in your child
• How to involve your child in toileting in age-appropriate ways from the early years
• Practical strategies to work in partnership with your child rather than pushing progress
• Ways families, carers and educators can support a consistent and positive approach
• How to create a supportive environment that builds confidence and success over time

This session will support you to feel calm, informed and confident, helping your child develop independence in toileting at their own pace with the right support around them.

Presenter: Dr Katherine Bussey

Dr Katherine Bussey is an infant and toddler specialist, lecturer, and Pikler® Pedagogue originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, living in Melbourne, Australia.

Katherine is a strong advocate for infants and toddlers, having spent the last 24 years actively engaging in international infant and toddler professional learning and developing practice in early childhood education based on the Pikler® approach.

Katherine mentors, consults and provides professional learning and development to educators and infant and toddler teams by helping them engage in inspiring critical reflection, learning and growth.