Potty training… who knew it could cause so many grey hairs? If you’re in the middle of it, about to be, or looking back at those great milestone memories, just know you are not alone and nothing about this phase is consistent. One day they’re a potty-training champion and the next day they’re staring at you like they’ve never seen a toilet before. Totally normal. 😂
When we started, we tried a few things (because trial and error is basically the parenting method nobody warned us about). We began with a potty seat that sits right on top of the regular toilet, and later transitioned to a step-ladder style seat so they could climb up and feel confident and independent. Both worked great for us, and you can shop the exact ones we used below.
You might feel tempted to buy one of those tiny floor potty chairs. But listen… unless scrubbing tiny plastic toilets is your love language, save yourself. They become germ pools, and eventually you’ll have to transition your child to the real toilet anyway. Might as well start where you want to end.
👉 Potty Training Sticker Chart
🧻 Tips to Keep Your Sanity Through Potty Training
Here are a few realistic strategies to make this milestone smoother (for both of you):
✔ Use the big potty regularly
Consistency builds confidence. The more they see it as “normal,” the faster the transition.
✔ Patience + positive encouragement
Celebrate progress, even if the only success today was sitting on the seat without sliding off dramatically.
✔ Help them understand when to go
Watch for wiggles, pacing, hiding, sudden stillness, or that classic “I’m NOT dancing… I’m totally fine” potty dance.
✔ Use rewards and praise
Sticker charts, a jellybean, extra story… whatever works. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just motivating.
✔ Stay calm (even when you want to scream internally)
Accidents are part of learning, not failure. Take a breath. Wipe. Reset.
✔ Keep routines consistent
Same reminders, same potty seat, same expectations = fewer battles.
💛 Final Reminder
Potty training isn’t a race, and there’s no trophy for the earliest finish line. Your child will get there in their time, and you’re doing an amazing job guiding them through it.
Messy? Yes.
Frustrating? Often.
Worth celebrating? Absolutely!
You’ve got this, and if no one has told you yet today:
👏 You’re doing great.
I never knew I’d clap this much for someone using a toilet.
