We Thought Potty Training Would Be Easier (Spoiler: It Wasn’t)

An honest story from one parent to another — because you’re not alone.

We had gone through sleep training, daycare transitions, toddler routines — and honestly, we felt like we were getting the hang of this parenting thing. So when it was time to start potty training, we figured it would be another smooth process. Turns out… not quite.

Our first try: not ready (and that’s okay)

Our son was just over two years old the first time we tried. Within a few days, it was clear he wasn’t ready. He could follow simple instructions and sometimes seemed aware when pee or poop was coming, but he wasn’t interested or comfortable. We stopped — and that was the best decision we could’ve made.

Second try: ready… but still not “easy”

We waited a few months and tried again. This time, he felt more confident and curious — he could tell us when he needed to go. But even with readiness, it still took about 4–5 weeks before he started asking to use the toilet on his own (or going without reminders). There were plenty of accidents, regressions, and moments of doubt.

We almost gave up at the end of week one. Nothing seemed to be working. We stayed consistent, stayed calm, kept encouraging — and slowly, it came together.

Every child’s timeline is different

Since then, we’ve heard every kind of story:

• One friend’s daughter was fully trained in a single weekend.
• Another family took nearly seven weeks to reach a no-accident streak.
• One toddler got sick in week two, which made everything take longer (and feel harder).

The lesson? Every child is different. You might think the time is right and find out it’s not — or it may go smoother than expected. What matters most is remembering you’re not alone. So many parents have walked this same path, and it all turns out okay.

What helped us keep going

• Keeping the tone calm and encouraging — never shaming, never rushing
• Celebrating small wins (and yes, using fun rewards when helpful)
• Staying consistent with a routine, even after accidents
• Taking breaks when emotions ran high — for everyone

For the tough days

Yes, it can be frustrating — but it’s also new and confusing for your child. Potty training is one of the first big “growing up” milestones. Try to keep it positive and shared: a moment you’re doing together, not something they have to do alone.

One day, you’ll look back and smile at how determined they looked on that tiny potty — and how big those small victories felt.

So hang in there. Laugh when you can. Stay patient when it’s hard. Celebrate every success, even the small ones. This stage won’t last forever — but the memories will. 💛