The Great Transition: A Step-by-Step Guide to Potty Training Without Rush or Stress

Your child is ready when they show interest in the potty, tell you when they've wet their diaper, can pull pants up and down, imitate adults in the bathroom, stay dry for longer periods and can communicate basic needs. There's no "correct" age - each child has their own pace.

Buy the potty together, read books about the topic, let them explore the potty while clothed, establish regular bathroom routines and talk naturally about body functions. This phase can last weeks or months - there's no rush.

Start with brief clothed sits, then diaper-free at specific times, celebrate small achievements without overdoing it, maintain predictable routines and respect when they say "no" - forcing creates resistance and setbacks.

Accidents are a normal part of the process. Respond calmly: "Oops, it happened. Let's clean up together", involve the child in neutral cleanup, change clothes without negative comments and remember it's learning, not failure.

Setbacks due to changes (new baby, daycare, moving) are normal. Temporarily return to diapers without guilt, maintain potty routines without pressure and remember that following the child's pace strengthens autonomy, self-esteem and makes the process a shared achievement.