Navigating the path to potty training

Implications

Learning to use the toilet is a major step in a young child’s development and a process that requires time, patience, and consistency from parents. While many families begin potty training between the ages of 2 and 3, every child progresses at their own pace, and the road to being fully potty trained is not always a straight line. This Mott Poll demonstrates that parents are approaching potty training thoughtfully, tailoring their strategies to match their child’s behavior, family routines, and practical needs. Still, it’s a process that often includes setbacks, frustrations, and moments of uncertainty.

Being potty trained can mean different things at different stages. In general, it means that a child knows how to use the toilet and no longer needs to wear diapers. Occasional accidents, however, are normal even among children who are mostly or fully potty trained. Understanding that potty training is a gradual process, rather than a single milestone, can help parents adjust expectations and respond more patiently to challenges.

Most parents in this Mott Poll said they waited until their child seemed “ready” to start potty training, following a child-led approach that aligns with expert guidance. Signs of readiness include staying dry for longer periods, showing interest in the bathroom, undressing themselves, hiding to urinate or poop, and being able to follow simple directions. Developmental signs like being able to communicate needs, mimic adult behavior, and possessing adequate gross motor skills are also important indicators. While following a child’s lead can help ease the process, not every family has the flexibility to wait. Some parents start earlier than they’d like due to daycare requirements, if the child has special needs, major family dynamic changes (e.g., moving to a new home or parents getting a divorce), or the rising cost of diapers, which can lead to stress if the child isn’t quite ready.

Other families preferred a parent-led routine with structured bathroom times; this can be particularly helpful when multiple caregivers are involved. Some parents opted for more intensive approaches, like 3-day potty training, which can be effective when there’s a time-sensitive need but may feel too rigid or overwhelming for others.

To support their overall approach, parents in this Mott Poll deployed an array of strategies, such as offering rewards, letting their child go without diapers during the day, or turning the process into a game to make it more engaging. Regardless of method, the most important factors are consistency, encouragement, and making the experience as positive and low-pressure as possible.

While half of parents found potty training to be about what they expected, almost 1 in 4 found it more difficult. Lack of cooperation from the child was the most frequently reported issue, but parents should remember children may be anxious about using the toilet, afraid of loud flushing sounds, or uncomfortable sitting on an adult-sized seat. Some children may refuse to try altogether. In these cases, parents can focus on making the bathroom a calm, non-threatening space by using books, songs, or toys, or simply spending time there without pressure to perform. Using a child-sized potty or a seat with foot support can also make a big difference in comfort and confidence. In some cases, conditions like encopresis or constipation may be contributing to the difficulties. Increasing the child’s intake of fiber and fluids can sometimes help to avoid these problems. When difficulties persist, especially if a child shows signs of pain, chronic withholding, or ongoing anxiety, it may be time to consult a pediatrician.

Parents who do encounter struggles shouldn’t feel like they’ve failed. Potty training is not always a straight path, and many children take time to master each step. Simple tools and strategies, like sticker charts, potty-only toys, and consistent routines, can go a long way. So can giving praise, offering privacy, and being patient during setbacks. Arranging play dates with children who are slightly older than your child and who are potty trained can be a way to encourage an interest in potty training. Avoiding punishments and not comparing one child’s progress to another’s helps keep the experience positive and respectful for the child.