Because I have four young children, sometimes I feel like I’m “supposed” to know all the tricks when it comes to potty training, but the truth is, my potty training style is pretty much like the rest of my parenting style—winging it as I go.
My current youngest child is 18 months old and I know that potty training and all the fun that comes along with it will soon be filling my days. And frankly? I’m kind of dreading it. Which is why I’m stockpiling a few unconventional tips for getting the job done this time. And let’s face it, by the fourth time around, Mama is just tired so I need all the help I can get.
Don't Let Them Know You Care|Don't Let Them Know You Care
Don't Fight It
“My best potty training tip is not to fight a strong-willed child. I think a lot of moms will tell you to commit and then never back down, but it isn’t worth the frustrating of fighting your child for months on end. Some kids need to decide on their own time when they are ready, and if they are strong-willed, no amount of bribery and rewards will get them there.” — Mary Justine Sauer
Go Cold Turkey
“It didn’t work on my kids, but my uncle potty trained my stubborn nephew overnight by storing the wipes in the fridge!” — Hannah Wingert
Diapers? What Diapers?
“My tip is to throw away diapers and pretend they don’t exist. Haha. We did one of those three-day potty training weekends and never looked back. Both of mine trained pretty easily.” — Kristel Acevedo, Glowing Light
Curious Georges & Georgettes
“Don’t get too excited when your child starts showing signs of potty-training readiness especially at an early age. They may not be actually ready — just curious. Eloise started expressing an interest really early a few months ago and has slowly gotten less interested again.” — Andie Murphy
Backwards Thinking
“Potty training idea: Let your child sit backwards on the potty and give them a dry erase marker! They will sit longer and there’s less of a chance of little boys missing! — Jenn of Pinterest Mommy
Put a Cheerio on It
“If your child is afraid to sit on the toilet or won’t stay still long enough, try putting Cheerios or other cereal bits in the toilet — my kids thought it was hilarious to pee on them! It was weird, but whatever works, right?” — Marie L.
