Potty Training Triumphs: Expert Tips and Fun Tricks from a Toddler Mom

Potty training is one of those exciting milestones that can feel both exhilarating and daunting. But with the right approach and a touch of fun, you and your toddler can conquer this adventure together! As a seasoned mom, I’ve gathered my top tips and tricks to make this process smoother and more enjoyable.

Start with Solid Preparation

Gear Up: Preparation is key to a successful potty training journey. Equip yourself with essential tools like comfy underwear and a potty enhancer seat or child size potty, and, most importantly, lots of patience!

Plan Ahead: Set a schedule for the first few days to keep your little one engaged. Create a lineup of activities such as playdough, coloring, flashcards, books, puzzles, and STEM toys to keep them entertained and focused.

Shopping List Essentials:

• Potty and Potty Seat: It is whatever works best for your tot. Some are scared of the big potty, while others think its an accomplishment to sit on the same potty as mommy. You can choose both and see which they take too. The issue you have to worry about is if they consider the little potty a toy for their dolls. If this is the case, then take it back and use an enhanced potty seat for the big toilet. Consider a toilet seat with a built-in step stool. You can also get a separate step stool for the sink. Check out this potty seat step combo and I like this one for the sink to wash hands: Toddler Step Stool.

  Activities:

• Potty Time Advent Game: A fun way to motivate your child.

• Potty Training Chart: For tracking progress.

• Potty Training Books: To make the concept relatable.

• Games, Flashcards, Books: Additional tools to keep your child engaged.

Make It Fun and Engaging

Potty training doesn’t have to be a serious affair. Infuse excitement into the process with games, songs, and colorful incentives. Your enthusiastic encouragement will make a big difference!

Create a Routine: Consistency is crucial. Establish a regular routine, remind your child frequently, and celebrate even the smallest victories. This positive reinforcement helps create a lasting, positive association with using the potty.

The 3-Day Method: This approach is highly effective. Avoid screens, incorporate potty training books and games, and stick close to home for three days. Visit your local library to borrow various potty books, and get new toys and games to keep your child engaged.

Example 3-Day Schedule:

• Prep: Set out toys, games, and books. Place stickers and potty games in the bathroom. Keep wipes, extra underwear, a hanger for wet clothes, pee pads for floor protection, snacks, and juice within reach.

  
  

• Day 1: Start with juice in the morning (A whole cup full) to help your child go within the hour. I used the naked method because having to worry about clothes is stressful on this day. This is to help your child understand the process of urination. Let them know that they should feel something near their belly button when they pee which means that they have to go to the potty and to stop and go right away.

  • Avoid underwear until they grasp the concept of what pee is. Talk to them and let them know when they pee what it is that they are doing and where it should go.

  • Engage in games, read books, and use a timer to prompt potty breaks for yourself. Encourage them to try. Something I say to my 2 year old is " Lets make the water yellow" to get her to at least attempt. Teach them how to wipe, flush, and wash their hands, and reward them with stickers, a potty advent game, or gummy bears.

• Day 2: Continue with morning juice, but control fluid intake throughout the day. Follow the same routine as Day 1. Pay close attention to signs of needing to poop and guide them to use the potty. By Day 2, you should see smoother progress with fewer accidents.

• Day 3: Repeat the routine. You may introduce a tablet or iPad game, but keep it minimal to avoid distractions. Celebrate with no accidents and keep reinforcing the process with positive reinforcement.

• Day 4 and beyond: Continue to encourage your tot to potty. Continue the routine. Continue the rewards so they stay motivated.

  
  

Expert Tips for a Smooth Journey

1. Stick to the 3-Day Method: This approach works best when you avoid screens, incorporate potty training books and games, and stay home. Borrow books from the library and get new toys to keep your child interested.

2. Use a Timer: Since toddlers might not always alert you when they need to go, use a timer to remind them to use the potty.

3. Potty Training Pals: Encourage your child to read potty training books or watch videos featuring characters going through the same journey. Apps like Daniel Tiger’s Potty Time can be helpful.

4. Rewards and Recognition: Create a sticker chart or use other incentives to motivate your child. My daughter loved animal stickers and a Potty Time Training Advent game, which kept her excited and motivated.

5. Potty Dance: Turn potty time into a celebration with a silly dance or fun activity. It’s a great way to make the process enjoyable and memorable.

6. Prompt, Don’t Ask: Instead of asking if they need to go, suggest a potty break. For example, say “Let’s go potty now” instead of “Do you need to go?”

7. Do not stop at day 3. Keep it going and restart it if you have to. It is a marathon not a sprint.

8. A lot of people struggle with potty number 2. Try to practice the same routines. It will get better.

   
   

Navigating Challenges

Potty training may come with its challenges, but remember, it's all part of the adventure. Accidents will happen, but maintaining a positive attitude and being supportive will help your toddler stay motivated and on track.

With patience, enthusiasm, and a sprinkle of fun, you and your toddler will navigate potty training with confidence. Celebrate every little victory and keep the process enjoyable.

For more expert advice and parenting tips, stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts. Together, let’s make potty training an exciting and successful adventure!

Happy potty training!

Feel free to share your own potty training experiences or tips in the comments. Let's support each other through this milestone!

~Peakaboo Penny~

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