Preparation: you, your home, and your child

Good preparation makes all the difference in potty training. As a parent, you know better what to expect, your home is set up for practice and your child feels engaged. This gives peace of mind, clarity and a greater chance of success. In this article, discover how to prepare yourself, your environment and your child step by step before you begin.

1. You as a parent: mindset and timing

You play a central role in your child's learning process. How you react largely determines how safe and relaxed your child experiences practicing. Therefore, it is important that you start with a positive and realistic attitude.

Determined: consciously choose a starting point and stick with it. Accidents and relapses are part of the deal.
Predictable: work with set routines and clear words. This gives your child something to hold on to.
Cheerful: keep the mood light and positive. Potty training is exciting, but also fun.

In addition, timing is important. Don't start during a stressful period, such as a move, a vacation or the arrival of a baby. Choose a quiet period when you as a parent have enough energy and time to give attention. A regular week at home without major changes works best.

2. Your home and belongings

A practical and inviting environment makes practice easier. Have basic supplies ready:

Potty: A stable potty that your child can reach by himself. Put it in a permanent place, such as the bathroom or living room.
Toilet reducer and step stool: useful if your child prefers to use the toilet. The stool allows your child to have support with their feet, giving a relaxed posture.
Clothing: choose bottoms with elastic. Avoid complicated buttons or zippers. Let your child practice raising and lowering by himself.
Underpants: picking them out together makes it extra fun. Underpants with cheerful prints work to motivate.
Spare clothes: always have a few sets ready, including in your bag for travel or daycare.
Cleaning supplies: wipes, a laundry bag and a cleaning cloth. Accidents happen, so make it easy on yourself.

By making your home practical, you can focus your attention on your child instead of practical hassles.

3. Include the environment

Potty training works faster if everyone follows the same approach. Therefore, discuss with everyone involved - your partner, grandparents, babysitter and daycare - what words and routines you use. Uniformity gives your child peace and clarity.

Agree on toilet language: all use the same words for pee, poop and potty.
Fixed times: for example, after dinner and before playing outside. This way your child becomes familiar with a rhythm.
Respond to accidents: briefly and neutrally, without getting angry or laughing.
Celebrate success: with a smile, high five or compliment. Keep it small and positive.

Make it concrete: write down the agreements in an app group or hang a brief overview on the refrigerator. That way, everyone can follow the same line, even if your child goes to daycare several days a week.

4. Choosing the right time

Many parents wonder when is the best time to start. There is no exact age at which it should happen. On average, children show signs between 18 months and 3 years of age that they are ready. More important than age is the situation around your family.

Choose a period in which you:

have little extra stress (no major changes, no busy schedule);
have enough time to guide quietly;
coordinated with the other educators that you take the same approach.

Better to start in a quiet week at home than in a busy vacation. The fewer stimuli and distractions, the more room there is to practice together.

5. Toilet language and visual aids

Clear and simple words help your child understand what is happening. Choose a few set words and use them consistently. For example: pee, poop, wet, dry, potty, toilet. Using short sentences helps your child know what you mean.

Visual aids can provide additional support:

Poster with toilet words: hang it near the potty or toilet.
Pictograms: a row of pictures for the steps: pants off, sit, wipe, flush, wash hands.
Books and games: have a stuffed toy "pee" or read a story about potty training.

By using humor and play, you make practice lighthearted and engaging.

6. Get your child actively involved

Children learn faster when they themselves are involved. Let your child participate in the preparation:

Let your child look at the potty and sit on it with clothes on.
Choose knickers together in the store. That makes it special.
Involve your child in putting up a poster or choosing a toilet word.
Let your child put a stuffed animal or doll on the potty to practice.

Give your child small choices, such as: "Do you want to try now or after the book?" or "Do you want to go on the potty or the toilet?" This increases motivation and gives your child a sense of direction.

Frequently asked questions

Should I remove all the diapers right away?

No. Start with short practice moments. As you notice your child staying dry more and more often, you can gradually eliminate the diaper at home. Do this at a pace that suits your child.

What if my child shows no interest?

This is normal. Keep putting the potty down visibly, read a book or have a cuddly toy practice. Try again later. Forcing is counterproductive.

What if the shelter uses other routines?

Discuss in advance how you do things at home and ask if childcare can follow suit. Uniformity gives your child peace of mind. Often the daycare center is willing to think along with you.

Summary

Good preparation increases the chances of a relaxed start. As a parent, make sure you have a positive mindset and choose a quiet time. In the house, set out the potty, a toilet changing table and easy clothes. Involve your environment and agree on the same words and routines. Use simple toilet language and posters to make it clear. Above all, involve your child in the preparation through play. In this way, together you will lay a solid foundation for successful potty training.