Understanding what’s happening inside our bodies can be a powerful tool for children as they learn new skills – especially toileting!
When children begin to understand how their body works, it can help them feel more in control and motivated to take care of it. Learning about the digestive system also supports the development of interoception; our ability to notice and understand internal body signals, like when we need to go to the toilet.
Below are some helpful resources to support your child as you begin your toileting journey, or if they need a little extra support along the way.
A quick note before you start
Before introducing any new book, video or app, it’s a good idea to preview it yourself first.
Watch videos all the way through to make sure they’re appropriate for your child and won’t be overwhelming or scary. This also helps you decide how to present the content – some children benefit from watching short sections at a time, rather than a full video in one sitting.
Books to Support Learning
Books can be a great way to introduce body awareness in a gentle and engaging way. Head to your local shop and peruse the options, as there are usually some great options readily available.
Searching on Youtube is another great place to find new books – there are many read aloud stories that you can watch together with your child, without having to buy the book yourself.
Here are some of our favourites:
- See Inside Your Body (by Usborne)
A lift-the-flap book that explains body systems in a simple, visual way. - Discover the Human Body (by FunFacts)
Bright illustrations and clear explanations to support early learning. - X-Ray Me (by Felicitas Horstschafer)
A fun and interactive way for children to explore what’s inside their bodies. - Where Does My Food Go? (by Usborne)
Lift-the-flap style book that has great pictures, best for younger kids learning about what happens after eating. - From Chewing to Pooing (by Lauren Gehringer and Natalie Gehringer)
Lift-the-flap style book that has great pictures, best for younger kids learning about what happens after eating.
Videos For Children
How the Digestive System Works
A simple introduction to what happens to food after we eat it. This one has really clear visuals, but does use some big words at times – so it can be a great one to narrate yourself with the sound off!
🔗 YouTube: Digestive System
Magic School Bus: For Lunch (Digestion)
A classic cartoon fun that explains digestion in a silly way – best suited to slightly older children, as its creative nature (as they travel on the bus through the body) may be confusing for the really little ones!
🔗 Magic School Bus – Digestion
KidsHealth – Urinary and Digestive System
Easy-to-read pages with videos explaining how the body makes wee and poo.
🔗 KidsHealth – Urinary System
🔗 KidsHealth – Digestive System
Using books and videos to explore the digestive system can make something abstract feel more concrete. It gives children a way to connect the sensations in their body with what’s actually happening inside – supporting both confidence and independence over time.
You might choose to revisit these resources regularly, especially if your child is showing interest, asking questions, or needing a little extra support. Keeping learning playful and pressure-free can make a big difference. There are also many toileting apps and videos you can use to help your child learn about the toilet.
Remember, this is just one piece of the puzzle — but for many children, understanding their body is a powerful step toward successful toileting.
