Five Keeping It Real Potty Training Tips

Today’s post is sponsored by Pull-Ups, but my love for their Big Kid Academy option is all my own!

Today we’re going to talk potty training.  That dreaded time in all parent’s lives when your entire home basically becomes a toilet, and your precious little one can at any moment mark his or her territory without any warning whatsoever.  I’m here to talk to you today as a survivor of potty training {at least with my first born…the other two are still too young} and offer a few tips.

1. Bribe ‘Em.  Yep.  I’m that mom.  I don’t care what you use, M&M’s did the trick for my little guy.  Maybe your kiddo doesn’t like chocolate {WHAT?!}.  Use what ever floats their boat…stickers, fruit snacks, jelly beans, a reward chart to earn a “bigger” prize from the dollar store.  I have no shame in admitting that I did a lot of bribing when it came to potty training, especially for the dreaded #2!

2.  Target Practice.  Okay, obviously this is specifically for boys, and probably for a little later in the potty training {as I recommend having your little guy pee sitting down in the beginning, especially if he’s on the younger side}.  But, once he’s ready to pee standing up, toss a Cheerio or Fruit Loop in the potty and tell him to aim for the circle.  He will find this to be one of the funniest things ever {and you will avoid having pee all over your bathroom…and I mean ALL OVER your bathroom}.

3.  Become One with Mother Nature.  Again, for the boys.  Potty train in the spring or summer when it’s warm.  Find a tree in your backyard and let them do their business.  They will again think it’s hilarious and awesome and that you are the coolest mom ever.  This one may come back to bite you later as I’ve had to stop my little guy from dropping his pants pretty much where ever he saw fit {the garden center at Lowe’s, the middle of the public splash pad, our neighbor’s hydrangea bush, the church parking lot…you get the idea}.

and on a more serious note…

4.  Be Patient.  To be fair, your little guy has been freely doing his business in a diaper that was attached to his body for his entire life up to this point.  It will take a while for things to “click” and for him to realize not only when he needs to go but the amount of time it takes to get to the potty once he realizes it.  There will be accidents.  Try not to get mad {especially in the beginning} because your anger could scare them even more into not wanting to use the potty.  Make it fun and they will be more receptive.  {You should probably have a bottle of antibacterial cleaner in every bathroom though for quick clean ups}.

5.  Be Prepared.  Even though my 3 year old is now potty trained, I ALWAYS travel with an extra set of clothes for him including socks and underwear.  No, he doesn’t wear Pull-Ups anymore, but I honestly still keep one or two in his bag as well, just because you never know!

For other totally helpful potty training tips and ideas, check out {and enroll} in the Pull-Ups Big Kid Academy today!  They talk about topics such as figuring out if your big kid is ready for potty training, tips for working parents, choosing the right potty seat, and so on.  It’s honestly one of the BEST potty training resources I’ve found lately!

Every Kid is Unique. That’s why when you enroll at the Big Kid Academy, you’ll get a personalized “My Pull-Ups®” page with potty training activities and advice customized to your point in the potty training journey.

The Big Kid Academy has a world-class library of potty training tips and advice from parenting experts, medical professionals and our brightest alumni: parents who have been there. 

You won’t regret enrolling today!