How set times and routines help

Are you potty training your child? If so, it helps to have a few set times each day for practice. Your child’s body will gradually get used to that routine. Many children find it annoying when they hear “Do you need to go?” all day long. Sometimes they’ll just say they don’t need to go so they can keep playing. For many children, it’s easier to accept that there are set times when they go to the toilet. That way, they know what to expect.

Choose specific times

Choose times that make sense for you to use the potty. For example, after waking up, before a meal, or before you go outside. This way, the potty or toilet becomes a normal part of your day. Always stop by the bathroom before you head out the door.

Does your child want to use the potty or the toilet more often? That’s perfectly fine, of course—even if nothing comes out. If your child doesn’t want to practice at every opportunity right away, build up the frequency gradually. Start with one set time and expand that to three or four times a day.

It helps many children when they see that their mom, dad, or other kids in the family also go to the bathroom at set times. Point that out. Say, for example: “We’re about to eat. So everyone needs to go to the bathroom. Mom is going too.” Or say: “Before bedtime, you can go to the potty one more time. Shall we see if you can pee? Mom (or Dad) always goes to the bathroom before bedtime, too. And Grandma does, too. Really!”