So your child won’t sit on potty? You are not the only one.
Potty training can be a challenging process for parents. Especially when your child refuses to sit on the potty. However, with patience, consistency, and the right strategies, your child will eventually learn to use the potty successfully. Here are 11 strategies that you can try to help your child sit on the potty:
1. Acknowledge and validate their feelings
It’s important to acknowledge your child’s feelings and fears about using the potty. Let them know you understand them and that it’s okay to feel scared or uncertain. Say something like “I see that you don’t want to sit on the potty. Let’s try again a little later.” Or: “I understand it may be scary to sit on the potty.” This can help them feel understood and more willing to cooperate.
2. Identify and address any underlying issues
Sometimes, potty training resistance may be related to other underlying issues. Consider things like constipation, fear of falling into the toilet, or not sitting comfortably on the potty. Try to identify and address any potential issues that may be contributing to the resistance. For example, you can use a smaller potty seat or provide a sturdy footstool for support. You can also make adjustments to their diet (hello water, hello wholegrain foods!) to stimulate regular bowel movements. Also, consider if it’s the right time to start. Is there a lot going on in their little lives (a birthday coming up, a house move, a change of daycare?)? It might not just be the right time.
3. Use role modeling when your child won’t sit on potty
Our little ones are natural imitators! They often learn by imitating others, so consider role modeling to encourage potty training. Demonstrate how you or other family members use the toilet or a potty in a positive and relaxed manner. Not so comfortable with that? You can also try using dolls or stuffed animals to model potty training behaviors. “Let’s see how little bear goes to the potty.”
4. Create a positive and encouraging environment
When it comes to potty training, a fun and decorated potty area can help your child feel excited to use the potty.
A Peppa Pig potty? A Paw Patrol stepping stool? Frozen dolls? Whichever character puts a big smile on their little face, use it! Decorate their potty with stickers, pick a fun and colorful toilet seat, and invite their favorite characters or toys into the bathroom as well ????.
5. Offer some control
Involve your child in the potty training process and give them some control by offering choices. Let your child choose their own potty seat and stepping stool. Another great one: let them choose their own underwear with their favorite movie characters or designs (check out tips for creating an ideal potty training wardrobe).
Allow them to have a sense of control and autonomy. This can help them feel more invested and more motivated to participate in the process. After all, it’s one of the most important milestones of their toddler’s life!
6. Set a routine
Consistency is key in potty training. Establish and stick to a consistent potty routine and schedule. Take your child to the potty at regular intervals. For example after meals, before bedtime, and upon waking up.
Also, consultants suggest that there’s no need to keep your child on the potty for more than a couple of minutes. Just be persistent in your efforts. Consistency can help your child develop a sense of routine and expectation around potty time.
7. Be patient and calm when your child refuses to sit on the potty
It’s important to stay patient and calm, even if your child refuses to sit on the potty. Avoid using force or punishment at all times. This could create negative associations with the potty and make your child even more resistant. Instead, offer reassurance, support, and gentle encouragement. Say something like: “Great you sat on the potty for a little while.”
Remember, every child is different. They will take their own time to get comfortable with the potty. So, take a (very) deep breath and stay positive!
8. Make it fun
Potty training can be a challenging process, but it doesn’t have to be boring! Use your creativity ????.
How about you create your own song or use a popular children’s song and add potty-related lyrics to it? Make it silly and catchy so your child can spread some giggles and sing along. There are also some nice songs on potty training like the Potty Song and Duggee’s Potty Song
Keep a basket of fun books or toys nearby to help distract and entertain your child while they sit on the potty. Choose books or toys related to potty training to make it more relevant and fun for your child. This is playtime on the potty!
9. Be the master of distraction
If your child resists sitting on the potty, distraction is your best friend. Offer their favorite toy, book, or activity to engage their attention while they sit on the potty.
Invite your child to sit on the potty and say something like: “Let’s go read your favorite book together.” Or: “If you go sit over there I have a fun surprise for you.“ Tip: let your child blow bubbles on the potty. It helps to relax the pelvic muscles and you can make it a really fun game together!
Don’t focus on sitting on the potty or what they are supposed to do there, but focus on the fun activity together with mummy or daddy.
10. Be flexible
Every child is different, and some may take longer to warm up to the idea of sitting on the potty. Be prepared to adjust your potty training approach based on your child’s personality and preferences. For more information, check out the right potty training method for you and your child.
11. Take a break if needed
If your child keeps showing strong resistance to sitting on the potty, take a break from potty training. This is totally ok. Try again at a later time. Pushing too hard can lead to more resistance and setbacks. Give your child some time and space. Try again when they are more receptive.
Remember that every child is different. Potty training is an important developmental milestone. It may take time and patience. Stay positive, consistent, and supportive. And celebrate your child’s progress, no matter how small!
Would you like more potty training tips and tricks? Download the Go Potty app!
