Potty Training Mistakes to Avoid: What Actually Helps Kids Succeed

Yahoo

5 days ago

How to know when your child is ready, what you need, and why letting go of pressure matters
Potty training comes with plenty of opinions and plenty of pressure. It can feel like everyone has a strong take on when to start, how long it should take, or whether you need to do it over a single weekend.
But every child is different. And when it comes to potty learning, a little flexibility (and a lot of patience) can go a long way.
If you're getting ready to start, or you've hit a few bumps along the way, here are some of the most common potty training mistakes and what can actually help instead.
1. Starting during a major life change.
One of the biggest mistakes? Trying to potty train during a time of transition. That includes vacations, new siblings, starting daycare, moving houses, or even having visitors stay over.
Just like with sleep or feeding routines, kids do best with consistency. If their world is already shifting, adding potty training into the mix can feel overwhelming.
It's also important to check in with yourself. If you're juggling stress or just don't have the mental space for a new routine, it's okay to wait. You need to be ready too.
2. Forcing it before they're ready.
If your child is resistant or just not showing signs of readiness, it's usually best to pause. Potty training works best when it's a team effort, not a power struggle. Readiness signs to look for include:
Showing interest in the toilet or watching others use it.
Hiding to squatting to poop
Waking up dry after naps or staying dry for longer periods
Being able to pull pants up and down on their own
Wanting to wear underwear or showing discomfort in wet diapers
Want to hear more about signs of readiness? More tips from our experience? Watch this PedsDocTalk YouTube video on potty training do's and don'ts from a pediatrician.
3. Skipping the prep.
Going into potty training without supplies or a plan can make everything more stressful. A little prep work can make a big difference. Here are some helpful tools to have on hand:
A potty seat and/or small toilet: Offering both gives your child some autonomy and choice.
Step stool: Helpful for handwashing or dumping the contents into the toilet.
Underwear, of course!: Let your child help pick them out to get excited.
Potty books: Choose ones that feature your child's favorite characters or topics.
Chucks pads or towels: Accidents happen—these can protect couches or car seats.
Cleaning supplies: Expect messes. Towels and a waterproof mattress cover may help.
Support: Whether it's a partner, a friend, or just a little self-pep talk, support makes a difference.
For more on knowing when you're both ready, what you'll need, and how to get prepared so you can be set up for success, download this free No-Pressure Potty Training PedsDocTalk Guide.
4. Being inconsistent.
Even if a few days go great, kids can still hit what's often called a 'honeymoon phase,' where they regress or resist. This is completely normal. Instead of switching back to diapers or shifting strategies too soon, try to stay consistent. Keep the process calm and predictable. Offer gentle reminders like:
'Tell me when you need the potty.'
'Let's try to keep our underwear dry.'
'You did it! That's great, listening to your body.'
Keep your language encouraging and matter-of-fact. And if accidents happen (which they will), respond with patience.
5. Putting potty training on pause every time you leave the house.
Many families avoid leaving the house during potty training, but staying home indefinitely isn't necessary or helpful. While the first couple of days at home are ideal, it's okay to start taking short outings soon after.
Bring a change of clothes, a portable potty seat if needed, and keep up the routine as best you can. Avoid going back to diapers 'just in case,' it sends mixed signals and can set things back.
You don't need to hit pause on your life. Instead, treat potty training as something that travels with you.
Final thoughts
Potty learning is just that, a learning process. There will be steps forward and backward. What matters most isn't doing it perfectly or quickly. It's approaching the experience with patience, flexibility, and realistic expectations.
Looking for more support and a step-by-step framework? Explore the PedsDocTalk No-Pressure Potty Training Course built to help you ditch the pressure and build a plan that actually works for your family.