Potty Learning: Why Your Child Is Doing Great (Even If You Think They Aren’t)

(Real Talk for Real Parents: Part 5)

Potty learning is one of those things every parent secretly worries about but pretends not to. You’re out in public, you see a child the same age as yours marching proudly into the bathroom, and your brain whispers:

“Should we be further along?”

“Are we behind?”

“Why is this taking so long?”

And suddenly, something that should be simple becomes a full-blown stress spiral.

Here’s the truth that should let you breathe:

Potty learning isn’t a race.

It’s a developmental process like walking, talking, and emotional regulation.

You cannot hurry a nervous system that isn’t ready.

And you absolutely cannot “train” a child into something their brain is still wiring for.

What readiness actually looks like

True readiness isn’t:

– being a certain age

– having a friend who’s already trained

– hearing pressure from grandparents

– seeing some influencer’s kid use a tiny toilet at 18 months

Real readiness is:

– staying dry for longer periods

– noticing wet or dirty diapers

– showing interest in the bathroom

– being able to wait a minute or two– starting to manage simple clothing

– showing signs of body awareness

When those pieces click, potty learning becomes smooth and steady.

When those pieces aren’t ready, forcing it becomes a battle, and no one wins.

Why some kids take longer

Kids aren’t robots.

They each have their own pace in:

– sensory processing

– communication

– motor skills

– emotional regulation

– confidence

– transitions

A confident child might jump right in.

A sensitive child might need more time.

A strong-willed child might need autonomy

.A quiet child might need reassurance.

None of these things mean anything is wrong.

What This Looks Like at A Village Childcare

We take a gentle, child-led, supportive approach which is never rushed, never shaming, never forced.

Here’s what we do differently:

We wait for readiness.

When kids are ready, it takes off naturally.

We involve the child in the process.

Handwashing, flushing, pulling pants up and down. All those small steps matter.

We model confidence, not urgency.

“You’re learning! You’re doing great!”

We communicate honestly with parents.

If your child is ready, we tell you.

If they’re not, we tell you.

We keep the environment consistent.

Same routine, same bathroom, same language every day.

This creates calm… and calm is the key ingredient.

Parents often notice progress within weeks of us working together because the approach is steady, predictable, and encouraging.

No pressure.

No punishment.

No bribing.

Just development unfolding the way it’s supposed to.

Your child is not behind. They’re becoming ready.

Potty learning is a confidence skill not a performance skill.

It takes time, patience, and the right environment.

And your child has that here.

At A Village Childcare, we support the whole child: their body, their emotions, their rhythms, and their pace.

When they’re ready… they soar.