Potty Training: My Honest Experience + What I Learned From Potty Poppins

Potty training has been one of the hardest parts of toddlerhood for me, and I'm saying that as someone who runs a whole mom community and still feels totally lost sometimes. 😅

I've been struggling with my toddler for months. I keep wondering if we waited too long, if he's just asserting his independence, or if I'm somehow doing it "wrong." It's been frustrating, overwhelming, and honestly, triggering in a way I wasn't expecting.

So I finally reached out to Potty Poppins, who is basically a potty-training angel disguised as a human. She gave me the most grounding, non-stressful, and realistic advice I've heard yet.

Here are my biggest takeaways, from one overwhelmed mama to another.

Low Pressure Is Everything

I realized I was the anxious one, not him. Potty Poppins reminded me that kids feel our energy. The goal is confidence, not perfection. Once I let go of the timeline in my head and stopped treating every accident like a setback, things started to shift.

Start Between 20–30 Months If Possible

This window gives them enough independence and awareness to understand what's happening, but not so much stubbornness that they dig their heels in. (🙋‍♀️ That's where we're at.) Of course, every kid is different—but if you're on the fence, this seems to be the sweet spot.

A Small Potty Changes Everything

Not the big toilet. Not the seat insert. A tiny potty on the floor that they can walk over to on their own. It helps with self-initiation, builds confidence, and takes away the pressure of needing help every time.

Stop Asking 100 Times a Day

Guilty. So guilty. Ask once. If they say no, drop it. Stay nearby, keep the potty visible, but don't nag. Especially with poop—ask once and move on. The constant asking was creating more resistance, not less.

The Pantless Method (At Least for the First Few Days)

Go pantless for at least the first two days—or until they "get it." No pants, no underwear, just a shirt. It removes the safety net. They feel it immediately when they start to pee, and it helps them connect the sensation with the action. It's messy, but it works.

Potty-Only Toys Are Brilliant

Have special toys that ONLY come out during potty time. Nothing too stimulating, just something engaging. These are toys you play with together, so you're close by and can scoop them up when needed, while keeping them engaged. 

Some of her favorites were:

• Kinetic sand

• Play-Doh with cookie cutters

• Skoolzy educational toys

These keep the kids busy for a while and makes the experience calm, not chaotic.

If They Start Peeing on the Floor…"Catch" the End

If you see pee starting, calmly pick them up, move them to the potty, and let them finish there. No shame. No freaking out. Just "pee goes in the potty," and move on. The goal is teaching them where it goes, not perfection.

Daycare Has Been a Challenge (And What NOT to Do)

Daycare has kicked our butts. Jax kept having accidents, and they suggested putting him back in a pull-up during the day. We felt like we had no choice, but it set us back to square one.

Potty Poppins was firm: never put them back in pull-ups except for naps or bedtime. Pull-ups feel too much like diapers—secure and comfortable. Kids don't mind having an accident because they don't feel the discomfort.

Instead, she suggested purchasing underwear or boxers several sizes larger than their actual size. You want them to feel it if they have an accident. You want them to not enjoy the feeling the way they did with a diaper or pull-up. It's not about punishment—it's about natural consequences.

Rewards Aren't Always Needed

Sometimes flushing together is enough. Sometimes cheering stresses them out—and that's okay too. Some kids just want to feel proud without a big fuss. Follow their lead.

Overnight Training: The Secret Window

Cut fluids 1.5 hours before bed. Wake them 15–20 minutes earlier than usual in the morning. While they're still half-asleep, carry them to the potty. This drowsy window is the secret—they're awake enough to pee but not awake enough to resist.

Potty-Training Shows That Actually Help

• Bebefinn potty episode

• Rachel Potty

• Steve & Maggie potty episode

If it normalizes the process and gets them excited? I'll take it.

The Reassurance I Needed to Hear

Your child is not behind. You haven't failed. Potty training is hard—emotionally and mentally—for everyone.

If you're in the thick of it like I am, you're not alone, mama. We're all just doing our best, trying not to cry over pee on the floor. 😂

Have you potty trained yet? What worked (or didn't work) for you? I'd love to hear your stories—drop a comment below! 

If you need help potty training, you can contact Potty Poppins here. Her goal is to take the stress off parents and create a positive, confidence-building potty training experience for your child. Whether you need hands-on, in-home support or virtual guidance, she can help make potty training smooth, stress-free, and even fun! You can also follow her on instagram @PottyPoppins.