Potty Training Tips & Tricks
Length: ~30 minutes
Presenters (for this session):
- Maggie Walsh – Vice President of Education, Cadence Education
- Paula Hermano – Director of Programs, Monar Schools
- Ashley Morris – Executive Director of Basor Schools
- Shelly King – Senior Director of Classroom Experience (Q&A Moderator)
Welcome & Introduction
Welcome everyone, and thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to have you here for the second in our series of parenting webinars. With more than 30 years in business, Cadence Education has established itself as one of the premier early childhood educators in the United States. We are so proud to serve over 30,000 families across the country, operating more than 300 private preschools and elementary schools that prepare students to thrive in their school-age years and beyond.
At Cadence Education, we deeply value the partnership between school and home. We’re committed to fostering strong relationships with our families and providing meaningful communication to support your child’s development. That’s why we’re excited to continue with this new family resource — the Cadence Parent Partnership Program.
Our webinars are designed to help you navigate common parenting challenges while supporting your child’s growth and development. We’re so pleased that you’ve chosen to spend this time with us today as we discuss a topic that every parent faces at some point: understanding and supporting potty training development in toddlers and preschool-age children.
Potty training is a developmental phase that all young children will progress through. Whether you’re a new parent or a seasoned one, understanding the stages of potty training — and having some tips to rely on — can make this process much more manageable and positive for you and your child. We’re so glad you’re here with us, and we’re looking forward to sharing valuable insights and actionable tips during this session.
Speaker Introductions
Before we dive into our content, I’ll take a moment to introduce myself and the team.
I’m Maggie Walsh, Vice President of Education here at Cadence Education. I bring 25 years of experience in teaching and professional development, and I’m passionate about supporting educators and families in fostering children’s growth and success.
Joining me today is Paula Hermano. Hi, I’m Paula Hermano, Director of Programs for our Monar Schools, with 19 years of experience spanning infant, toddler, early childhood, and teacher education. I’m thrilled to be here today.
Also with us is Ashley Morris. Hi everyone, I’m Ashley Morris. I’m the Executive Director of Basor Schools, and I have 22 years of experience in early childhood and teacher leadership. It’s wonderful to be here today.
And finally, we have Shelly King. Shelly is moderating our Q&A today. Thank you, Shelly. The whole team and I are honored to be part of Cadence Education’s organization. Our goal is to support your children’s teachers, school directors, and all families as we work together to create enriching educational experiences. Thank you for allowing us to connect with you today.
What We Will Cover
Over the next half hour, we’ll focus on understanding the stages of potty training development and share effective tips and tricks that you can use to help your child learn this important life skill. We’re also excited to address questions from several families who submitted them ahead of time — these will be covered during the Q&A session at the end of our presentation.
Additionally, we’ll do our best to answer questions submitted during the session through the Zoom Q&A. Our Q&A is being monitored by Shelly, so feel free to share your questions as we go along. If you’re not able to access the Q&A, you can always submit questions via the exit survey at the end of the session or the follow-up email, which will include an email address where you can send additional questions.
Lastly, all the resources we discuss today — along with the recording of this webinar — will be shared in a follow-up email. There’s no need to worry about taking detailed notes. We’ve got you covered. With that, let’s get into the content we’ve prepared for you.
Stages of Potty Training
You might already be aware that potty training involves a few different stages of progression. In fact, the Northern Illinois University Child Development and Family Center summarizes potty training in four stages: toilet play, toilet practice, toilet learning, and independent toileting.
Before we dive into each of these stages and share some tips, we want you to remember that your child’s teacher will support them in whatever stage they’re at. There is not just one way to potty train, and your child’s teacher will likely have tips and strategies that work best in the school setting compared to the home setting. Please be sure to ask them how they practice at school if you’re interested in learning more. Our teachers are here to support you and your child.
Poll: How Parents Feel About Potty Training
Ashley is going to take us through a quick temperature check via a Zoom poll. Thanks Maggie. Ashley: “Hopefully a poll has popped up on your screen. We’d love to hear about how you feel about potty training joining the webinar today. Are you excited, nervous, curious, maybe frustrated? We’d love to tailor our content to how you’re feeling.”
It seems like a good chunk are nervous and excited, which totally makes sense when navigating a new season with your child. Others are curious and frustrated — and all of that is completely normal when you’re trying to figure out how to support your child through this process.
When to Start Potty Training
The Cleveland Clinic recommends the best time for supporting a child in potty training is somewhere between the ages of 2 and 3½ years old. That’s because children at this age usually have well-developed gross motor skills — which are important for toileting behaviors like walking, sitting, and removing clothing.
Children between these ages also tend to have the verbal skills needed to tell you when they need or want to go to the bathroom. They may be more interested in following you to the bathroom or wearing underwear. At this stage, they typically develop more sensitivity and awareness of their diaper, urine, and bowel movements.
Of course, some children may show interest in potty training earlier or later than this time frame. So be on the lookout for signs that reflect Stage 1 and Stage 2.
Stage 1 — Toilet Play
Children in this stage pretend to go to the bathroom — usually with their clothes still on. They may start to observe other adults or children in the household when they use the bathroom. They might want to follow you into the bathroom, watch you, or ask questions about what you’re doing. They may also show interest in the toilet itself and want to understand what it is and why you’re using it.
Stage 2 — Toilet Practice
In this stage, children begin practicing the skills needed for independent toileting. This stage involves lots and lots of practice. Children may:
- Practice flushing the toilet and watching the water go down and fill up again
- Try to remove clothing (pants, socks, diapers) before sitting on the potty — though they may still need help
- Practice sitting on a potty chair or toilet with support or a seat
- Squat or stand in front of the toilet to explore positioning
- Wash their hands with support or independently
This stage also comes with overall awareness of whether their diaper is dry or soiled. They might not always tell you they need to be changed, but they can answer questions about its status.
Preparing the Environment for Success
Tip #1 – Set Up the Right Area
Paula: “Our first essential step is to set up the right area for your child — making the experience accessible, comfortable, and empowering.” Recommended tools include:
- A child-sized potty chair, or a child-sized toilet seat that fits on a full-size toilet
- A sturdy step stool to support independence and balance
- A selection of children’s books that normalize the potty experience
- A set of clean underwear or training pants and clothes in a basket or cubby
- Wipes or a small spray bottle + paper towels for simple clean-up participation
- An optional timer to support routine and consistency (not pressure)
These items support independence, a sense of control, and positive association with the potty process. Paula also showed examples of setting up the space — a basket of essentials, a potty seat on a regular toilet, and a child-sized potty.
Stage 3 — Toilet Learning
Maggie: “Children at this point have a growing sense of ability with their gross motor skills. They start to connect the feeling of needing to urinate or have a bowel movement with the action of going.”
Signs of toilet learning include:
- Excitement about successful attempts — even when there’s no output yet
- Interest in wearing real underwear
- Gestures or verbal cues when they need to go
- Ability to hold urine for longer periods of time
- Increased sensitivity to being clean and dry
- Ability to pull pants up and down independently
- Ability to sit on the toilet independently
Tip #2 — Build Consistent Routines
The key to successful potty learning is offering a steady and supportive transition. Start with small, manageable steps to avoid overwhelming your child.
Narrate the Diapering Process
Narrating diaper changes from infancy helps build body awareness and emotional connection. Saying things like “I’m changing your diaper now” or “Your diaper is wet, so we’re getting you clean and dry” creates an understanding of what is happening and why. This communication lays the foundation for a smoother transition to potty learning.
Encourage Dressing and Undressing Independence
Invite your child to participate in dressing and undressing. Use easy-to-remove clothing such as elastic waistbands. Praise the effort, not just the result — “You pulled your pants down all by yourself.” This builds independence and ownership in the potty process.
Introduce the Potty Area
Show your child the potty seat, step stool, basket of underwear, and other materials. Allow exploration without expectation. Invite them to point to or name the items to build familiarity and comfort.
Let Your Child Sit Without Pressure
Encourage sitting on the potty without requiring output. Normalizing the experience reduces stress and builds positive association.
Establish a Regular Potty Schedule
Begin with one designated potty time each day — for example in the morning or after mealtime. As comfort increases, gradually add more potty times. Consistency is key. A predictable schedule builds awareness, confidence, and security.
Increase visits gradually as the child becomes accustomed to the routine. Pay attention to cues like fidgeting, holding themselves, or pausing play. As your child becomes more confident and starts recognizing their need to go, reduce scheduled visits while keeping key times: upon waking, before naps/sleep, after meals/snacks, and before leaving the house.
Tip #3 — Positive Motivation & Emotional Support
Maintaining a positive and supportive approach is essential for building confidence during potty learning.
Clear and Simple Language
Use short, predictable phrases such as:
“It’s time to go potty.”
“We can try again later if you’re not ready.”
This reduces confusion, supports routine, and avoids emotional pressure.
Effort-Based Praise
Shift praise toward specific action, not generic approval. For example:
❌ “Good job!”
✔ “You flushed the toilet.” / “You pulled your pants down by yourself.”
This reinforces independence and skill development rather than performance pressure.
Expect Setbacks and Stay Calm
Accidents, regression, and hesitation are normal. Remain calm and neutral — your emotional tone influences your child’s emotional response. Remind them that accidents happen and that learning takes time.
Supportive Rewards (Without Creating Pressure)
Sticker charts, potty jars, and visual reminders can be helpful. They should stay secondary to emotional support — hugs, connection, and shared pride remain the most powerful motivation. The real reward is feeling capable and supported by a loving adult.
Stage 4 — Independent Toileting
Children reach independent toileting at different times and still progress through internal milestones along the way.
- Urinating in the toilet typically comes first. Continue using diapers between bathroom trips until this skill becomes reliable.
- Bowel movements in the toilet usually take longer. They occur less frequently, can be scary for toddlers, and require greater awareness and muscle control.
- Staying dry all day without accidents may take weeks or months.
- Staying dry all night often takes several months to years. This milestone reflects neurological and bladder development, not effort or motivation.
Poll: What Stage Is Your Child In?
Ashley: “We’d love to hear what stage your child is currently in. Toilet play, toilet practice, toilet learning, independent toileting, or maybe potty training hasn’t started yet. Please choose the child most on your mind today.”
Most families indicated Stage 3 — toilet learning — moving toward independent toileting. Others were in toilet play, toilet practice, or preparing to begin. All of these scenarios are developmentally normal.
Common Struggles in Potty Training
Difficulties With Bowel Movements
Children can feel fear and anxiety around bowel movements. Strategies that may help include running water, having bubbles nearby, Play-Doh, deep breaths, and singing. Singing loosens the mouth — which helps relax the sphincter and promotes release.
Play Time → Waiting Too Long
Children can delay going to the bathroom because they don’t want to pause play. A gentle timer every 90–120 minutes may help. You can also give reminders before big play periods so the child knows to expect a break.
Nighttime Accidents
Nighttime wetting is normal. Avoid shame or punishment. Pediatric guidance states bedwetting is not considered a medical concern until a child is 8 years old and wets the bed at least twice a month. Most cases resolve naturally as the bladder matures.
Lack of Interest in Potty Training
Some children show very slow interest. Keep reading potty books, invite them to join you in the bathroom, narrate awareness, and allow Stage 1 exploration until readiness emerges.
Poll: What Motivates Your Child?
Families shared a mix of motivators — wanting to use the toilet like parents or older siblings, discomfort wearing diapers, wanting underwear, or not yet being motivated. All responses are developmentally appropriate.
Books & Resources for Potty Learning
Children’s Books with Music or Sound
These books normalize toileting through playful storytelling and sound buttons. Selecting one based on your child’s interests can be helpful:
- Interactive books that include music and buttons to reinforce steps of potty learning
- Engaging characters that model trying and practicing the potty routine
Traditional Children’s Books (No Technology)
These books offer comfort and familiarity without sound effects. One or two is typically enough — no need to purchase many.
Books for Parents
Parenting books on potty training vary widely in methods and recommendations. Remember: there is more than one correct way to potty train. Select the guidance that best fits your child, your lifestyle, and your boundaries.
Key Takeaways & Final Guidance
Successful toilet learning involves understanding the four stages of potty training and preparing both your child and their environment. Creating a supportive setup, maintaining gentle transitions with consistent routines, and using positive motivation all help develop confidence and independence. Partnering with your school community provides additional support and a shared approach.
If you have tried the strategies discussed today and feel like your child is still not progressing in the way you hoped, please speak with your school director or your child’s teacher. They have supported many families through the potty training process and may be able to offer personalized support and recommendations.
Q&A Session
“Should boys start by sitting or standing?”
Great question and very commonly asked. Our recommendation is that both boys and girls begin potty training in a seated position. Many children need to have a bowel movement around the same time they urinate, and managing both functions while standing can be challenging at first. Sitting also requires fewer gross motor adjustments. Once the child is secure in their toileting skills and body awareness, they can transition to standing if preferred.
“How do we work with our child’s daycare or school to stay consistent?”
Initiate communication early and often. Talk with your child’s teacher and school director to compare observations between home and school and align on shared strategies. Ask what routines they follow at school and share the strategies you’re using at home so there is consistency for your child. Regarding training underwear versus pull-ups: follow your child’s preference. The most important focus is consistency — once diapers are removed, avoid switching back to prevent confusion.
Also remember that clothing matters for independence. Avoid onesies, overalls, or clothing with multiple snaps or buttons. Soft pants with elastic waistbands allow children to pull clothing up and down independently, reinforcing success.
“How do we begin overnight training?”
Nighttime potty training should begin only after your child has fully mastered daytime toileting. Once your child consistently stays dry during the day, you can start with nap training. After naps remain dry over time, transition to overnight. Tips include limiting liquids before bed, using the toilet right before sleep, and using a waterproof mattress protector.
Nighttime control takes much longer than daytime control — and this is developmental, not behavioral. Many nighttime accidents actually occur within the last 30–60 minutes of sleep. Making potty time the first activity after waking can help. If needed, gently wake your child 30 minutes earlier to catch that window.
Final Announcements
Please consider taking a moment to provide feedback on today’s session. Your child’s school is one of the few selected to continue our Parent Partnership Program, and your feedback directly shapes our future content — whether you prefer live webinars, on-demand video, printed resources, or other formats.
A feedback survey will appear automatically when the webinar ends, and the link will also be included in the follow-up email. On Monday, the email will include:
- A recording of this webinar
- A list of the children’s books mentioned today
- Book recommendations for parents
Our next session will be on Wednesday, March 19th and will focus on Tips for Managing Temper Tantrums and Emotional Meltdowns. We hope to see you there.
Thank you again for joining us today — have a wonderful afternoon.
