Potty Training: A Positive Step Towards Independence
Gentle, positive tips to help your toddler build confidence and independence during potty training.
TL;DR:
- Watch for signs your child is ready before starting.
- Keep it positive—praise effort, not just success.
- Pick a calm, stable time to begin.
- Build routines and dress your child for success.
- Be patient—every child learns at their own pace.
1. Look for Signs of Readiness
Before diving in, it’s helpful to watch out for signs that your child might be ready.
These can include:
- Can follow simple instructions
- Show interest in the toilet or wearing underwear
- Communicate when they need to go or have gone
- Can pull pants up and down
- Showing curiosity about the toilet
- Staying dry for longer stretches
- Expressing discomfort with wet or dirty nappies
These cues are often your child’s way of saying, “I’m ready to try!”
2. Make It Positive and Pressure-Free
Whether you use a potty, chair or a toddler seat on the regular toilet, let your child explore it at their own pace. Reading stories about potty training or having a teddy practise first can turn the experience into a fun and familiar part of the day.
- Stay encouraging: Praise every attempt, not just success.
- Avoid punishment: Accidents are part of learning.
- Use rewards (stickers, small treats, or a potty chart) to motivate.
3. Pick the Right Time
Try to begin potty training when life feels calm and routine. Avoid starting during major changes as this can make the process more challenging for your child.
- Choose a calm period (not during travel, a move, or right after a new sibling).
- Set aside a few days to focus on training.
4. Dress for Success
- Use clothes that are easy to take off quickly. Avoid fiddly buttons or zips whilst your child is learning so they can feel more independent and in control.
- Consider training pants or cotton underwear—let them feel the difference.
5. Create a Routine
Children thrive on routine. Gently encourage your child to sit on the potty/toilet at regular times, this helps build consistency and confidence.
- Offer potty breaks at key times: after meals, naps, and before bed.
- Use a timer (every 1–2 hours) if your toddler needs reminders.
6. Celebrate Progress, Don't Stress Setbacks
Mistakes are completely normal. Stay calm, reassure your child, and remind them it’s all part of learning. Your patience and understanding will help them feel secure and supported
- Regression is normal— especially during changes or stress.
- Keep calm and consistent and offer reassurance.
7. Be Patient with Night Training
When to potty train at night will depend on your toddler. Children all develop at different paces, so there’s no one-age-fits-all approach that can be applied to potty training at night. Although you can incorporate some nighttime potty-training techniques into daytime training, it’s best to wait until your child is regularly using the toilet or potty during the day before focusing on staying dry overnight.
- Night dryness can take longer.
- Use overnight training pants if needed.
- Limit fluids close to bedtime.
8. Be consistent
Stick with your approach, even when progress seems slow. Consistency in your responses helps your child know what to expect and builds trust along the way.
9. Encourage Good Hygiene
Teaching your child to wash their hands after using the toilet sets healthy habits for life.
Make it a fun part of the routine with songs or bubbles!
Bonus Tip: Lead by Example
If comfortable, let them see you or an older sibling use the toilet to model the behaviour. Children often learn best through watching and copying—it's all part of understanding how things work.
Every Child Is Unique
It’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to potty training. Some children take to it quickly, while others need a bit more time—and that’s okay. The most important thing is to go at your child’s pace, with lots of love and support.
You're not alone on this journey—our team at Niton Preschool is always here to help. Whether you have questions or just need a bit of encouragement, we’re only a chat away.
Good luck—and don’t forget to celebrate the little victories!
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