Techniques for Making Potty Training Fun

Potty training doesn’t have to be a stressful task—it can be an exciting adventure for both you and your child! Research from Ghai’s Essential Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows that children learn best through positive reinforcement, play, and routine. By making potty training fun, you can help your child stay motivated and engaged in the process.

A sticker or reward chart is a simple yet effective way to encourage progress.

• Let your child place a sticker every time they use the potty.

• Offer small rewards like an extra bedtime story or a fun activity after a full row of stickers.

• Keep it fun but pressure-free because the goal is motivation, not stress.

Children love playtime, so why not incorporate that into potty training?

• Race to the potty – Set a timer and see if they can reach the toilet in time!

• Aim for the target – For boys, place a few colored cereal pieces in the toilet and encourage them to aim.

• Potty song or dance – Sing a “potty time” song every time they sit on the toilet.

Storytelling makes potty training more relatable and exciting. Some great books include:

• Once Upon a Potty by Alona Frankel

• Potty by Leslie Patricelli

• P is for Potty! (Sesame Street)

Reading these books together helps normalize the process and makes it feel like an exciting milestone.

Giving your child control over their potty training journey makes it more fun.

• Let them choose their own potty chair or toilet seat with their favorite colors or characters.

• Buy fun underwear featuring superheroes, cartoons, or animals as a reward for progress.

• Make them feel like a “big kid” with their special potty setup!

Children love mimicking adults and older siblings.

• Let them “teach” a stuffed animal or doll how to use the potty.

• Have an older sibling demonstrate, making it look fun.

• Pretend to be an announcer celebrating their “big moment” when they successfully use the potty!

Many interactive potty training apps and videos engage children with fun visuals and encouragement. Some popular options include:

• Daniel Tiger’s Potty Time (songs and games)

• Elmo’s Potty Time (interactive videos)

• Poo Goes to Pooland (animated storytelling)

These tools make potty training feel like an adventure rather than a chore.

Every small step deserves recognition!

• Give high-fives, claps, or a happy dance after each potty success.

• Offer verbal praise like, “Wow, you did such a great job!”

• Celebrate but don’t overdo it—keep it natural so they don’t feel pressured.

• Place the potty in a warm, familiar space so they don’t feel nervous.

• Offer a small book or toy to keep them entertained while sitting.

• Stay relaxed and supportive—potty training should be a positive experience.

By turning potty training into an enjoyable experience, your child will be more eager to learn. Every child is different, so experiment with different techniques to see what works best. Stay patient, celebrate small victories, and most importantly, have fun.