Surviving Potty Training
Potty training ranks near the top of the list as one of the most emotionally and logistically demanding phases of early childhood. At Heartland, we want to partner with you for every phase of your child’s development! With consistent communication and toileting routines, we can help see you through to exciting days of independence and no more diapers!
While there are many methods to potty training, the goal of this article is to help you lean on a few key principles that help make this season more manageable and a little less stressful!
1. Timing Is Everything
In general, experts agree that most toddlers show readiness between 18 to 30 months, with many mastering control by age three. You can start looking for signs of readiness in your child like:
- showing curiosity about the potty
- staying dry for longer stretches
Some ways to foster their curiosity without jumping straight into toilet training is introducing books and videos about potty training, like No More Diapers for Ducky or Pottytime with Elmo. Children sometimes want to try wearing underwear over their diapers or practice sitting on a little potty or training seat. These activities help children mentally prepare for using the potty and practice the physical skills needed, like getting on and off the toilet, pulling clothes up and down, and flushing the potty. Practice helps foster independence and confidence!
At Heartland, we will continue your efforts in the classroom and help your child continue to gain independence in this area of development!
2. Classroom Power
It’s true that toilet training can be a challenge when going back and forth from home to school. However, being a part of a classroom where other children are going potty seems to foster a positive reinforcement for toilet training. When young children see their peers going potty, they want to go potty too! The behavior seems normal and not so scary. 
Another benefit of being in the classroom is the easy access to a child-sized potty and regular potty breaks that are part of our daily schedule. These two things together help create an environment for success in potty training!
3. Pro-tip: Keep It Kid‑Friendly
Potty training is a giant step toward fostering independence in your little one! Set them up for success by:
1. Choosing easy pull-on clothing!
Stick to elastic waste bands and dresses with no buttons or belts to make it easy for them to manage on their own.
2. Equipping your home bathrooms with child-sizd toilets, potty seats or step stools to foster autonomy in the process.
You want your child to be able to get on and off the toilet on their own, without a fear of falling in the potty or off the seat!
Use sticker charts, keep a book basket by the potty, or let them watch a potty video while they try to go. Celebration fosters excitement in the process!
4. Accident Management: Keep It Calm
Accidents are expected—even after your child starts pottying regularly. It’s important to remain calm and respond with grace. Negative language and punishment can lead to regression and feelings of shame.
But an empathetic response like, “Accidents happen—it’s ok, next time try to tell us sooner,” can instill confidence and calm in your kiddo, who is still learning.
It is also helpful to stay prepared. Keep an extra change of clothes in your child’s bag at school and replenish regularly, and don’t forget the SOCKS! Keep a change in your personal bag, too, for when you are out running errands and at special events together.
Let’s Recap
- Look for readiness, not just age—your child should be able to communicate his or her needs, understand basic instructions, manage clothing and show long stretches of dryness.
- Normalize and celebrate using the potty—through stickers, fun underwear, stories, and praise!
- Accidents are expected. Handle them with calm and encouragement, not shame.
- Stay flexible: children may succeed at home, at school, or vice versa—and that’s okay! Expect regression as part of the learning process. Book a tour to learn more about how we can partner with you for your child’s next big phase!