Making potty training fun and exciting helps your child succeed!
Is Your Child Ready for Potty Training?
Just like learning to walk, every child learns to use the potty at their own speed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says most kids are ready between 18 months and 3 years old.
Signs Your Child Might Be Ready:
- Stays dry for 2 hours or more
- Tells you when they need to pee or poop
- Can pull pants up and down
- Shows interest in the bathroom
- Can follow simple directions
- Wants to wear “big kid” underwear
Having a special potty chair can make training less scary
Getting Started
The Mayo Clinic suggests these steps to start potty training:
First Steps:
- Get a special potty chair
- Pick words for pee and poop that your family will use
- Read potty training books together
- Let your child watch you use the bathroom (to learn)
Fun Training Methods
1. The Three-Day Method
From the book “Potty Training in 3 Days” by Carol Cline:
- Stay home for three days
- Let your child be pants-free
- Watch for signs they need to go
- Take them to the potty every 2 hours
Helping your child feel safe and supported is important
2. The Slow and Steady Method
From the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Start with sitting on the potty at the same times each day
- Give lots of praise for trying
- Don’t rush or push too hard
- Use stickers or small rewards
Fun Potty Training Tips:
- Make up silly potty songs
- Use a special timer with their favorite character
- Read books while sitting on the potty
- Put cheerios in the toilet for boys to aim at
Remember:
- Accidents are normal
- Never punish for mistakes
- Stay calm and positive
- Every child learns differently
When to Get Help
Talk to your doctor if:
- Your child is over 4 and not potty trained
- Was using the potty but now isn’t
- Holds poop in for many days
- Shows signs of pain when using the bathroom
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics: “Toilet Training Guidelines”
- Mayo Clinic: “Potty Training: How to Get the Job Done”
- CDC: “Learn the Signs. Act Early.”
- Healthychildren.org: “Toilet Training”
