ABC Mouse - Potty

When your child uses the potty successfully, make it a big moment! Turn it into a celebration—do a mini dance party to their favorite song, give a sticker, or share a big high-five. Consistently making potty time feel positive helps build motivation and pride in their progress.

Accidents are a normal part of learning. Stay calm and reassuring when they happen. Let your child know it’s okay and that they’re still learning. Your encouragement helps build confidence and keeps the potty-training experience positive, even during setbacks.

Set your child up for success by making the bathroom child-friendly. Use a potty chair or seat insert and add a small stool so they can reach the toilet and sink on their own. Consider posting a simple step-by-step chart showing the routine—potty, wipe, flush, wash. A fun song can also help establish the routine and keep the mood playful.

Start by offering rewards—like stickers—when your child uses the potty with your prompting. Once they’re consistent, shift the reward to when they initiate going on their own. Eventually, celebrate only when they complete all the steps independently and without reminders. This gradual shift helps them develop self-reliance and clear goals along the way.

Encourage your child to sit on the potty for a few minutes at regular times throughout the day—such as after meals, before naps, or before bath time. Give them a 5-minute reminder before the potty trip to help make the transition easier. A short, fun game will help them pass the time while they sit and wait to see if “something happens.” These regular trips build familiarity and normalize the routine of going to the bathroom.

Need a simple way to keep your little one entertained during potty breaks? Try the Bubble Blaster game from ABCmouse! It's a quick, engaging activity that helps turn waiting time into playful learning, right when you need it most. Pop the bubbles that match the color you hear or see! Practice color recognition in this fast-paced and visually exciting bubble-popping game.

Looking for a little support during the potty-training journey? ABCmouse offers simple, printable resources designed to encourage routines, celebrate small wins, and make the process a little more fun…for kids and parents.