A lot of people say they can’t wait until their child starts crawling or walking. But for me, pure joy comes when my child is fully potty trained.

Potty training is a major milestone for any child, but it can also be a challenging time for parents. It’s not uncommon for children to resist using the potty or have accidents, especially if they’re particularly stubborn (like my last born). However, with patience, persistence, and a few tips and tricks, potty training can be successful—even with the most stubborn kids.

I have 9-, 6- and 4-year-olds. The first two were pretty “textbook” to train. But that last one? Pretty sure we’ve been working on potty training him for about a year. He’s just one of those children who, for the most part, does things when he wants to do them. We’re 80% finished, though! He goes #2 in the potty on his own. And since that’s the grossest one to clean, I consider it a win.

The main question parents ask about potty training is, “When is my child ready?” Well, there’s no set age for when children should start potty training, and some kids may not be ready until right before they hit school age. (I know…hang in there!) 

Signs that your child may be ready include: showing an interest in the toilet or wearing underwear, telling you when they need to go, or staying dry for longer periods of time. Once you’ve determined that your child is ready, it’s time to start the potty training process. Here are some tips that helped me reach success.

Be Patient.
Potty training takes time, and accidents will happen. Don’t get frustrated with your child if they’re struggling, and avoid punishment if they have an accident. (Trust me. I’ve been there. It doesn’t work. )

Create a Routine.
Establishing a routine can help your child understand when it’s time to use the potty. Have them sit on the potty at regular intervals, such as every hour or two, and praise them when they use it successfully. I’ve personally had potty train songs and dances. Sure I look and sound silly, but a win is a win.

Use Positive Reinforcement.
Praising your child for using the potty successfully can go a long way. Consider offering small rewards, such as stickers or treats, to encourage them to continue using the potty. Make sure it’s actually going to work for your child, though. My last one would eat an M&M reward and then poop 10 minutes later in his pants while he stares at you.

Let Them Choose.
Allowing your child to choose their own potty or underwear can help them feel more in control of the process, which can make them more willing to participate. This especially helps with the more headstrong children. Once I started calling my son a big boy, asking him how long he’d like to stay on the potty, and letting him choose soap scents for handwashing, he didn’t feel so constricted.

Make It Fun.
Singing songs or reading books while your child sits on the potty can help make the experience more enjoyable for them. Know what your child likes, and make the potty a fun and safe place.

Stay Consistent.
This is a tough one because life is busy, and parents get tired. Consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Stick to your routine and offer positive reinforcement consistently to help your child understand what’s expected of them. Also, make sure that you have a good support system that will help train in your absence. One of the reasons my lastborn is taking so long to potty train is because we’d train him at home, but his day care didn’t. So, it’d be like starting back at square one every week.

Remember, every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. Don’t be afraid to try different approaches until you find what works best for your child. And most importantly, be patient and persistent. Your child will eventually get the hang of it.

What video am I doing this week? Glad you asked. I’m still on my hair care series, and we’re talking about how to detangle natural hair the right way! See you Friday!