Potty training is a big milestone for both kids and their parents! But sometimes, the journey can feel a little stressful. So, we chatted with a few friendly Jovie nannies to share their expert tips for making the potty training journey a breeze.
Associate Potty Training with Positivity
Make potty training a fun adventure! Let your little ones pick out their own potty supplies, like cute potty seats, colorful inserts, and fun step stools. Choosing underwear with their favorite characters can also add some excitement to the process!
You’ll also want to get creative with toilet training by introducing fun books, videos, songs, and games to help your child feel more involved and excited about using the potty.
Keep the conversation going about using the potty. Explain what toilets are for and point them out when you see them. This helps children identify where they are and is a great way to teach them that everyone uses the toilet. Begin teaching your child simple words like “pee,” “poop,“ and “potty.“ It helps to select a word that your family will consistently use and stick with it!
Isabella B., a professional nanny from Phoenix, suggests, “Talk about using the potty throughout the day. Get excited about it! Sing fun songs and read silly books about it. Kids often want attention when they’re not using the potty, so give them lots of praise and engagement for the positive steps they’re taking. Plus, many kids love the idea that they can do it all by themselves!”
Potty Training Practice Runs
Consider beginning potty training when you or a caregiver, such as a professional nanny or babysitter, can dedicate consistent time and attention to it over the next few months. A consistent routine will be essential for potty training practice runs.
So, what is a practice run? A practice run is when you take your child to the toilet and put them on the potty chair with their diaper off. You’ll want to do practice runs when they show signs they need to go, like when you see them doing the “potty dance“ (crossing their legs or tugging at their clothes). When this happens, acknowledge it out loud with “I know that means you need to go potty“ and immediately take them to the bathroom.
If your child doesn’t show signs of needing to use the bathroom, do practice runs every two hours. Other routine moments to encourage them to use the toilet are when they wake up in the morning, after meals, before and after naps, and just before bedtime.
When you’re helping your child practice using the potty, keep the time they spend sitting there to just a few minutes. It’s totally okay if they want to play while on the potty—it helps them feel more comfortable with the experience! Make it fun by singing potty songs or reading toilet-themed books together. If they don’t go after a minute or two, no worries! Let them get up and try again later. And don’t forget to celebrate when they let you know they need to go; it helps them feel confident and encourages them to communicate.
After a few months of practicing, your little one might start using the bathroom all on their own. Once you see them do this a few times, you can begin to cut back on the practice runs. Over time, you can just take them to the bathroom when they miss a clear signal that it’s time to go. It’s all part of their learning journey!
Remember to praise, praise, praise when they get it right. Celebrate every time they make it to the potty, even if it’s not flawless. A fun way to motivate them is by using a reward system. Consider setting up a chart in the bathroom or having small treats. These little rewards can make a big difference in a successful potty training experience.
Joanne P., a professional Jovie nanny from Port Washington, shares that each child finds motivation differently during potty training. She suggests having a reward chart for successful potty breaks: give a sticker for each accomplishment, and after collecting a certain number, they can earn a special treat, like a toy, a book, a visit to the park, or some extra screen time. How fun is that?
Expect Accidents in Potty Training
When accidents happen (and they will!), remember to stay calm—there’s no need for punishment. Instead, calmly clean up, show them the best way to handle their dirty underwear, and help them pick out some fresh clothes to change into.
Nicole M., a Jovie nanny in Syosset, NY, suggests, “If there is any pushback or frequent accidents, it may mean that the child isn’t ready for potty training, and that’s okay! Potty training should be a positive experience—a transition to becoming a ‘big kid’—and it can be smooth with effective communication and consistency.”
She recommends continuing the conversation about potty training by asking the child if they need to go, placing them on the toilet frequently, and reminding them that they are not wearing a diaper.
If your little one still seems to be struggling after a few weeks, take a break. This can be a sign that your child isn’t quite ready yet. Pushing them when they’re not ready can lead to some frustration for both of you. Instead, you can try again in a few weeks or months, all while keeping the conversation about toilet training light and encouraging!
Let your child’s excitement lead the way on this journey! Remember, it’s perfectly okay for things to get a bit messy. Accidents are just part of the learning process.
Make Potty Training Fun
Potty training can be handled with joy and lots of patience! When you make it a fun adventure through exciting activities and a steady routine, you can help your little one feel more eager and confident about using the potty. Remember to celebrate those small victories and use rewards to keep them motivated. And if accidents happen, that’s completely okay—stay calm and supportive! With open communication and a little encouragement, this journey to becoming a “big kid“ can be a delightful experience for both you and your child. Embrace the fun, and before you know it, your little one will be mastering potty training like a champ!
Need a Nanny to Help with Potty Training?
The perfect nanny can be a helping hand when it comes to potty training your child. With Jovie, you’ll discover caring and experienced nannies who can turn potty training into a happy and memorable experience! A professional nanny can provide the support, encouragement, and creativity your child needs to feel confident and motivated. Let Jovie help you find the right match for your family so your child can enjoy this journey of becoming a big kid.
