Ms. Rachel shares three “Ps” for potty training: Practice, Patience and Play!
Potty training can feel like an Olympic event—one that comes with lots of cheering, a few stumbles, and maybe a surprise puddle or two. But according to Ms. Rachel, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Her secret? The Three Ps: Practice, Patience, and Play!
Learning to use the potty is an important milestone for children and a very personal one that’s different for every child and their family. Recognizing that can help alleviate the stress that parents, and in turn children, sometimes feel when they begin potty training. Try to resist peer pressure and know that your child will get there–and you can help them!
My three “Ps” for potty training
Related: When’s the best time to start potty training? An expert weighs in
First, look for signs of readiness
Learning to use the potty is a gradual process that takes plenty of practice, so don’t feel pressured to start too early. Signs of readiness may include:
Showing an interest in using the potty,
Following simple directions
Feeling uncomfortable with dirty diapers
Staying dry for about two hours
Communicating (verbally or nonverbally) when they need to go
Demonstrating increased independence
Your child doesn’t need to check every box—but a few signs may indicate they’re ready to start!
Step 1: Ease into it with play
Make potty training a fun and exciting adventure! Ease into it by introducing your child to the concept of using the potty before you start the actual training process.
Teach them words to use, like “potty,” “pee” and “poop”
Use pretend play: Show them what going to the potty looks like by sitting their favorite doll or stuffed animal on the potty. Pretend play can help children understand and process big changes.
Let them observe: If they feel comfortable, let them see you using the potty to demystify the process.
Related: 8 Montessori-inspired phrases to use for each stage of potty training
Step 2: Practice, practice, practice
Potty training doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay! Many kids start to “click” with it in about a week, but every child is different. Try these tips:
Choose a block of time that you and your child will both be home to practice.
Watch for cues that your child needs to go–wiggling or making a face–and help them get to the potty in time.
Start to build a routine: You can also suggest they go when they get up and go to bed, and before or after meals.
When you have to be out of the house, consider bringing a travel potty and extra clothes.
Let them pick out fun underwear to get excited about this big step!
Step 3: Patience—expect accidents and celebrate progress
Accidents are a natural part of the process—just like falling down while learning to walk. Your child is learning a new skill and that takes practice! Try to stay calm, positive, and encouraging. Your child takes cues from your energy, so if you make it no big deal, they’ll feel confident to keep trying.
Keep in mind that the initial days are about spending special time together to learn. Every step—whether it’s sitting on the potty or using the right words—is progress.
Related: What it means when your toddler refuses to potty train, according to a pediatric urologist
Rachel Accurso —better known as Ms. Rachel—is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and the beloved creator of the Ms. Rachel YouTube series. Her new book, Ms. Rachel: Potty Time with Bean (Random House Books for Young Readers) was released on January 7, 2025. Along with her husband Aron Accurso, Rachel created the popular Ms. Rachel YouTube series, helping toddlers and families learn, bond, and thrive. She holds master’s degrees in early childhood development and music education and is a dedicated advocate for children’s rights, striving to ensure all children have access to high-quality early childhood education.
