Toilet-training a young child can be a challenging task for any parent and caregiver. I thought I was prepared to toilet-train my child - I had all the books, the tiny potty, the reminder watch, the sticker chart, and anything else a fellow parent recommended to me. However, our process took a lot longer than I thought it would, and I began to get discouraged - especially after hearing success stories from other parents whose children were younger than mine.

 Luckily, our family rallied together, learned some tips, remembered to stay consistent, and most of all, remained calm (this may have been the hardest part). I learned that with patience, consistency, and some solid strategies, toilet-training can be a smooth (and eventually, successful) process! In other words, you’ve got this.

There are a million advice columns and techniques out there when it comes to tackling toilet-training, but here are some basic guidelines to follow on this developmental journey:

Is Your Child Ready?

It’s hard to tell when your child is completely ready to start using the toilet; readiness occurs at different ages for different children. In general, however, if your child shows interest in using the toilet, starts taking off their diaper or complaining of being wet, and has the motor skills needed to manage their clothes and sit still on the potty, then it may be time to get them started! And if it turns out that your child is excited to use the potty at first, but then changes their mind and goes back to asking for a diaper, it is okay to wait a while and try again when they feel more ready.

Routines and Consistency

It is important to establish good routines. Creating a consistent schedule will help your child understand when they should use the toilet. It helps to set specific times throughout the day for the child to sit on the toilet and to keep their potty in the same place every day. Stay consistent with their sequence of actions, such as going potty, wiping, and providing predictable calm, positive reactions for both successes and accidents. Make sure that your toilet-training approach is consistent with your child’s other caregivers as well.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement also plays a vital role in toilet-training. Praising the child for successful attempts on the toilet will motivate them to continue trying. In addition to positive reinforcement, using rewards can also be beneficial. Some experts suggest using small rewards, such as stickers or treats, as an incentive for using the toilet. When your child progresses, give them a hug, praise them, and if you feel comfortable, give a small tangible reward. When they make mistakes, remain positive, help them clean up, and reassure them.

Mistakes and Regressions Can Happen

Pay close attention to your child’s needs and behaviors. These can change frequently and unpredictably, and some of your approaches to toilet training that were successful last week may not work the next week. A child may even forget some previously mastered skills in the face of new challenges, such as moving to a new home or school, or gaining a new sibling. Stay patient and consistent with your methods, so that you can continue to move forward while resolving any new problems that arise. If you are concerned that a sudden toilet-related change is related to a physical issue, contact your child’s pediatrician. 

Conclusion



It is no question that toilet-training a child requires patience, consistency, and lots of practice. By establishing a routine, providing positive reinforcement, being consistent, and maintaining open communication, parents can guide their children through this important developmental milestone. Successful toilet-training can be achieved!