12 Perfect Hacks for Kids Afraid of Potty Training

You probably guessed long before having your little one that potty training might be a chore. It’s true: potty training can be a daunting experience for children who are afraid or anxious of the process.

And no, it’s not anything you did. Part of that can be personality: your little guy or girl may have a tendency to anxiety. Or perhaps your child had a negative experience beyond your control that involved toilet training.

Today we discuss the best potty training hacks specifically tailored to children who are anxious about potty training. Ready for success? Read on!

1. Understand the Fear

Depending upon your little one’s age, try having an open and honest conversation with them. Ask what they think is scary. Really listen; the more your child trusts you at this stage, the more likely they are to begin feeling secure, and that leads to success.

Remember not to put ANY judgment on your child’s specific fear — even if they are afraid the witch from the Wizard of Oz is hiding behind the toilet tank. Tell your child that it’s okay to be afraid of something.

This first step is critical in letting your child know they can talk to you instead of just running from the potty in tears.

2. Find a Potty Training Buddy

Your little one will feel less alone — and therefore, less scared — if you have a “potty training buddy” on hand. This can be anything from a favorite stuffed animal to a preferred toy.

Your little one can also “talk to” their potty training buddy for what seems to your child like a very long time. (Five minutes to you can seem like an eternity to an energetic toddler.) You’d be surprised how much emotional support a potty training buddy can give.

3. Try Gentle Exposure

Ever heard of exposure therapy? This is the same basic idea.

Exposure therapy is usually used by therapists to help patients get over a phobia. But you can do your own, gentle version with your child.

Begin by allowing your child to explore the potty at their own pace. Let them sit on it with their clothes on or even use it as a makeshift chair. Eventually, your child will have formed a habit, and the familiarity eases their fears.

4. Distract Them With Play

Sitting on the potty can be boring if nothing is happening yet. Engage your child in playful activities so they’re encouraged to stay on the potty.

Toys, books, or even a tablet with their favorite cartoons can help divert their attention. So can sitting alongside your child and singing a favorite song or telling a beloved story.

5. Storytelling and Books Can Help

If you’re like most parents, you’ve been reading to your baby since their birth. Reading is often associated with quiet, comfortable, secure moments. Bedtime or naptime books are a classic soother for young ones.

This means that reading about characters who have faced and overcome potty training fears will be associated with calmness. That goes a long way toward helping your little one develop a positive outlook on toilet training.

Share stories or read books about characters who faced similar fears but overcame them through potty training. This can help your child relate and feel less alone in their journey.

6. Use a Potty Training Doll

This is similar to a potty training buddy. However, you will be encouraging your child much more to act as the “teacher.”

It is truly amazing how well children learn when they believe someone is learning from them at the same time. This gives your child a sense of being in a powerful, rather than frightened, position.

Demonstrate the potty training process with a doll or stuffed animal. Show your child that even their favorite toys can go through this experience and wind up just fine! When the doll “goes” in the potty, congratulate it, and encourage your child to do the same.

7. The Gradual Transition Technique

Some children are nervous about potty training because it seems so abrupt. Suddenly, they’re being told to “be a big boy” or “be a big girl.”

Toddlers and preschoolers are known for their desire to grow up and have independence. But suddenly removing your child’s diaper and telling them that from now on, they will be using the potty, can be frightening for some children.

Instead, transition from diapers to training pants slowly, allowing your child to adjust. Let them choose the design or character on their training pants to make them more appealing. Do this in advance of your child’s first day of potty training so they can get used to seeing the pants on the shelf. Start with short periods on the potty and work your way up.

8. Create a Safe Space

Designate a calm and comfortable potty area in the bathroom. Decorate it with soothing colors and items your child loves to make it a reassuring space.

This is especially important for a child experiencing anxiety over potty training. They have already developed positive associations with certain items. Bringing those into the bathroom says to your child, “This is a safe place for everyone.”

9. Praise and Encourage

Children love positive reinforcement. In fact, studies show that positive reinforcement is superior to scolding — one of many reasons not to be harsh with your little one during their potty training.

Offer lots of praise and encouragement for even the smallest attempts or successes. You’ll give them great feelings about themselves and the process. That in turn increases self-confidence, which leads to the desire to have more of that wonderful feeling. How? By using the potty!

10. Celebrate Each Step

Celebrate each step in the process, from simply sitting on the potty to using it for the first time. Small celebrations can help your child feel accomplished.

Praise your child when they:

• Sit on the potty for the first time
• Sit on the potty with their diaper down for the first time
• Tell you they have to “go”
• Show there potty training buddy how to use the potty
• Actually use the potty

11. Be Patient and Understanding

Patience is key when dealing with a fearful child. And yes, it’s hard sometimes. But it can go a huge way toward helping your little one train on the potty.

Understand that setbacks and accidents may occur. That’s normal. Count to ten, remember how much you love and are proud of your child, then reassure them that setbacks are a part of learning. You’ll increase your child’s trust in you, and you won’t create negative associations with the potty.

12. Offer Choices

A big part of potty training fears is that your child feels helpless and not in control of what’s happening. That leads to insecurity, which then makes your little one afraid of the whole process.

A great way to give your child a sense of control and power is to give them choices along their toilet training journey. For example, have two potties, and let them choose their favorite for each session. Let them pick out a potty (from choices you can present). And ask, “Do you want to flush the toilet?”

Ready? It’s Time to Potty Train Your Little One — Successfully!

Potty training fears can be challenging, but with these clever strategies, you can help your child feel more at ease during the process.

Remember to be patient, empathetic, and flexible. And try to tailor your approach to your child’s specific fears and needs. By creating a supportive and understanding environment, you can guide your child through potty training and help them conquer their fears with confidence.

Ready to conquer your child’s potty training fears and achieve success in just 3 days? Discover our proven 3-day potty training plan that’s designed to turn even the most fearful child into a confident potty pro.

Help is on the way.

Start your child’s potty training adventure today!