Potty Training Tips for Boys and Girls:
A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
Welcome to your go-to guide for the best potty training tips for boys and girls—including toddlers, preschoolers, and children with autism or ADHD. Whether you're just starting the potty training journey or troubleshooting specific challenges, this page offers expert advice, free printable tools, and a structured plan to help your child transition out of diapers successfully.
With our free step-by-step potty training plan, printable reward charts, certificates, coloring pages, and more, you'll have everything you need at your fingertips to make the process easier and even fun!
When to start Potty Training
Knowing when to begin is one of the most crucial potty training tips for success. Not every child is ready at the same age, so it's important to look for signs of readiness rather than using age alone as your guide.
Signs your child may be ready to start include:
- Staying dry for longer periods (2 hours or more)
- Showing discomfort with wet or dirty diapers
- Displaying interest in the toilet or bathroom routines
- Understanding and following simple instructions
To learn more about recognizing potty training readiness signs, click the link above and explore our in-depth guide before you get started.
Potty Training Tips for How to Start
Once you’ve identified that your child is ready, the next step is learning how to start the training process. Some kids are excited to sit on the toilet right away, while others may need help getting comfortable.
Here are foundational skills to begin working on:
- Sitting on the toilet for 3–5 minutes at a time
- Communicating the need to go (verbally or nonverbally)
- Practicing good hygiene, such as hand washing
- Gaining independence in dressing and undressing
My favorite method for starting potty training is to simply have the child watch social story videos about going potty and toilet training. You can find a variety of them on YouTube as well as on my free social stories channel Brave Kid Adventures:
Tools and Free Resources
Before Day 1 arrives, it’s important to gather helpful potty training tools and resources. One of the most effective tips is to create an environment focused solely on toileting—this helps minimize distractions and keeps your child’s attention on the task.
We provide free printable tools that includes:
- Reward charts for tracking progress
- Certificates for kids to celebrate milestones
- Coloring pages related to toileting
- A checklist of supplies to keep nearby
Click above to access our free potty training resources and get organized for success.
Use a Reward Chart
Using a potty training reward chart is a simple yet powerful way to motivate children. Sticker charts offer instant gratification and positive reinforcement, especially for kids who benefit from structured feedback like those in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) programs.
How to use it effectively:
- Give your child a sticker for each successful attempt or behavior (sitting, wiping, washing hands, etc.)
- Offer a bigger reward when the chart is full (like a small toy or a special activity)
- Reserve their favorite bathroom-themed toy for potty time only
To get started, click the link above and choose from our collection of free potty charts to download
Free Charts to Download
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Potty Training in 3 Days: A Quick-Start Plan
Day 1: When you're ready to ditch the diapers, start on a day when you can stay home without interruptions. This is your child’s full immersion into toileting. Be prepared to offer frequent opportunities to sit on the toilet and stay consistent with praise and rewards. For the full guide to Potty Training Day 1, Click Here.
Day 2: On the second day, you’ll move into the maintenance phase. Begin fading your prompts and encourage your child to initiate using the toilet. The focus is on developing independence and reducing your guidance. For more Day 2 potty training tips, click here.
Day 3: Now it’s time to practice using public restrooms. Going out into the community can be overwhelming for some children, so make short practice trips to common locations like parks or libraries. Avoid scheduling errands—this day is all about mastering the skill outside the home. Click here to read tips on potty training in public places.
While the above information can work extremely well for many children, sometimes if you have a child with a diagnosis of Autism, you may need extra support and a different plan of action. I have toilet trained children of all different ages and levels of ability using the strategies I have outlined in my book How to Toilet Train a Child with Autism - Without Tantrums and Meltdowns. My most recent success was with a 9 year old male with limited communication. Despite his age, lack of communication and severely aggressive behavior any time we took him to the bathroom initially, we were able to successfully toilet train him with him requesting to go when needed using the strategies outlined in my book!
Naked Potty Training Method
The Naked Potty Training Method offers a natural, no-fuss approach to toilet training. Explore tips, benefits, and expert guidance to help your toddler succeed. By removing diapers and letting your child go bare-bottomed, this method encourages faster body awareness and independence. Ideal for at-home training, it’s a popular choice for parents seeking a gentle, effective potty training strategy.
Responding to Accidents
One of the most crucial potty training tips is knowing how to respond calmly and effectively when accidents happen. Reacting with frustration or punishment can create fear and anxiety, potentially causing setbacks.
Instead:
- Keep your tone neutral
- Gently guide your child to the toilet
- Offer praise when they do try or succeed
- Use practice trials if needed
Accidents are a normal part of the process. To read more on how to handle them with care, click the link above for our full guide on responding to potty training accidents.
Dealing with Regression
Regression happens. Even after your child seems fully trained, they might have accidents again due to stress, illness, changes in routine, or other factors. This doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it just means it's time for a quick refresher.
We cover:
- Common causes of potty training regression
- How to reinforce previously learned behaviors
- When to consider medical advice
Solving Bowel Movement Challenges
If your child is withholding or refusing to poop on the toilet, you’re not alone. Bowel movements are often the most challenging part of potty training. Thankfully, with patience and the right strategy, your child can overcome this phase.
Our tips include:
- Using visual schedules or social stories
- Creating a relaxed bathroom routine
- Providing privacy without isolation
- Using consistent language and praise
Congratulations—You’re Almost There!
If you've followed the steps and applied the potty training tips throughout this program, you're likely seeing major progress—or even a completely diaper-free child. That’s something to celebrate! Don’t forget to print out your child’s "I’m a Big Kid Now!" Toilet Training certificate and continue reinforcing their success with ongoing praise and support.