If you’re just starting to potty train your toddler (or have been unsuccessfully trying for a while), using a potty training chart is a great way to get your child interested and eager to participate. The process can take time so starting off with all the tools already in your tool belt can make it much easier.
Hopefully, you’ve read my full post on How I Potty Trained My Daughter Before Two. If you haven’t read it yet, start there! I included a lot of tips that work well with young toddlers. You can apply some of these strategies even before you fully start potty training.
I’ll reiterate what I said in my previous post: The #1 rule to potty training is giving the time and dedication to commit to the whole process. Consistency is key to your toddler developing the full understanding and drive to get rid of diapers and start going on the potty.
If you’re not fully committed to it, it’s not that they won’t ever potty train, however, it will draw out the process a lot longer than it has to be. The quicker you can become consistent and respond immediately to every cue your child gives you, the stress will lessen because they will become potty trained faster.
Free Printable Potty Training Chart
One of the tips that I suggested in my post was to use a Potty Training Chart. This is a way to help them to understand the expectations and *hopefully* give them more motivation and excitement.
I heard a lot of positive feedback that the potty training chart really helped a lot of children and parents, so I decided to make one for you guys! Simply enter your email in the form below and you’ll get an email with directions on how to get your FREE printable potty training chart!
I made them in pink or blue options for boys and girls. Sorry, I only have the girl option in pink and the boy in blue, although my daughter’s favorite color is blue, I just couldn’t find girl images in blue!
How to Use:
- Download and print the potty training chart. You can choose from pink or blue for boys and girls.
- You can laminate it if you wish to prevent potential damage caused by your toddler, but it’s not necessary because you can just print out more as you need.
- Explain the chart to your toddler. Don’t miss this step!! It’s important to make your child aware of what’s expected of them and the process that they will be going through. If you just bring the chart in the bathroom and expect them to know why they’re getting a sticker, it will not work. So show and explain to them each step of the process and what they will get each time they are successful.
- Leave the chart in the bathroom or next to their potty seat for easy access every time they use it.
- Whenever they accomplish one of the steps (even if it’s just one out of six), place a sticker (or have them do it) on one of the circles.
- Once they get all 6 stickers in one row and reach the star, they get a prize.
- You can determine what the prize should be and however big or small it is.
Using stickers
You can use stickers to place on each space or simply have them color in the spots every time they accomplish one of the tasks. These stickers are a great option or use your child’s favorite character for extra motivation.
Choosing a Reward
Once they get all 6 stickers in one of the rows, they get a prize. It doesn’t have to be a new toy or anything extravagant each time but think of something simple that your toddler would enjoy.
For example, my daughter gets to turn on and off the light switch in the living room as her reward because she’s obsessed with doing it. We have also used dessert, dance parties, snacks, and storytime as rewards. The options are endless and luckily, it’s pretty easy to please a toddler!
You can let your child choose what their reward should be which may be even more motivating for them. They might just want something simple like a special snack or playtime.
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Remember, potty training is all about consistency. If you’re going to use the chart, use it 100% of the time. If you stick to a full commitment, you will have an easier and quicker time with potty training.
Check out more ideas for tips and tricks to Potty Train your Toddler. Good luck!
Related Post: Toddler Scared to Poop? How to Get Rid of Potty Training Anxiety
