Top Potty Training Tips from Mamas Just Like You

The #1 top potty training tips our experienced, everyday mamas have found to be most helpful.

We’ve talked about how to know if your child is ready for potty training, the different potty training approaches and what you’ll need to get started. We’ve discussed nighttime training and how to teach kids to wipe on their own. Now, in this final post in our everyday mamas potty training series, are answering the question…

What would be your number one tip for other parents when it comes to potty training?

• Be patient and be prepared to stop at any time. SP

• Don’t start too early.  My neighbour started her daughter at 18 months of age and tried to keep going even though she wasn’t ready.  Her parents became extremely frustrated and it ended up taking 18 months of tears and tantrums (the parents!) until she was trained. TW

• Don’t pressure – wait for them to show signs of readiness, there is no magic age for kids to be ready. SH

• Just keep going. Don’t push them too much or worry, they will get it eventually. AH

• Recite to yourself: “It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen…” CO

• Try to let it happen when your child is really ready. Try to forget about how old they are and if all of their friends are potty trained and really, truly follow their lead. Understand that controlling those muscles may not be something they are able to do at all, or well, and no amount of star charts or rewards will change that. Have faith that even if it takes a long long time, even if you have to seek medical advice… eventually you will sort it out. KF

If you missed the previous posts in our potty training tips series, head back to the start – Is My Child Ready for Potty Training?

A big round of applause for our mamas for sharing their thoughts so generously! Thank you Shae (Mum to 3 girls), Tanya (Mum to a pigeon pair), Amanda (Mum to 2 girls), Kate (Mum to 4 – two of each), Cath (Mum to 1+1), Monisha (Mum to 2 girls) and Sarah (Mum to 2 boys and 1 girl).