There are some milestones in motherhood that make you pause — not because they’re dramatic, but because they mark a quiet but powerful step forward.
Potty training was exactly that for us.
“Potty training is a journey of patience, pride and tiny moments of growing up — one little success at a time.”
Not the picture-perfect kind.
Just the real kind — the messy floors, the tears, the uncertainty, the tiny triumphs, and that rush of pride when you realise your little one is growing more confident by the day. 
This is our story. Not advice, not a perfect method — just our gentle journey, shared in case it helps another parent feel less alone.
Why We Started (And Why “Readiness” Is Sometimes a Guess)
We started just after she turned two and a half.
Not because I had a parenting manual memorised or because she hit all the “signs.”
Honestly? I wasn’t even totally sure what the signs were supposed to look like.
We’d had a potty around for months.
We talked about it, sat on it, played with it.
She’d had a couple of successful poos on the toilet (thanks to the legendary “poo face” alert), but I still couldn’t confidently say she was “ready.”
But with baby number two on the way — and the possibility of regression down the line — I wanted to give us enough time.
More than anything, I just had that mother’s instinct saying:
She can do this. And I can support her.
So… we went for it.
Setting Ourselves Up Simply
No intense prep.
No strict routines.
I bought a couple of potties and let her choose her favourite.
I put together a little “nappy caddy” filled with:
wipes
spare pants
spare leggings
potty books
toilet roll
small toys for distraction
cleaning bits
Not fancy — just practical.
And then, we began.
Day One — The Messy, Memorable Start
The plan was to sit her on the potty every 15 minutes.
The reality?
She is not a “sit and wait” toddler.
Day one was full of wees… just not many in the potty.
But there was one moment I’ll never forget — a mix of pride, independence, enthusiasm, and total chaos.
She did a successful wee in the potty and was so proud that she wanted to go and flush it herself.
I followed behind her, but she was so excited she sped up… and that’s when it happened:
She spilled the potty while running → slipped on the spilled wee → fell in it → and then the rest of the wee tipped all over her.
There she was, covered in her own wee, crying because she didn’t get to flush it.
And there I was, trying to comfort her, clean up, and also not cry myself.
Day one.
A baptism of… well, you know.
But we carried on.
Day Two — Nursery & A Hard Moment
She went to nursery for consistency, but she was already a little off before she went — clingy, cuddly, not quite her bright self.
She hadn’t pooed for a couple of days either.
Nursery eventually called:
She was sad, uncomfortable, and showing signs she needed to poo but couldn’t.
They popped a nappy on her — completely normal in early training when constipation or overwhelm kicks in.
When I picked her up, she was so emotional, so unlike herself.
We went home, tried prune-based everything (no success), warm water, bicycle legs, and gave her nappy-free comfort time.
Eventually, she did the big poo she’d been struggling with — and it was like watching the sunshine come back out in her little face.
Day Three — The Turning Point
This is when things shifted.
She began to recognise the sensation.
We had more wees in the potty.
She was proud.
We were proud.
We introduced a sticker chart — only once success started happening, so it actually felt meaningful.
And we celebrated everything:
wees
sitting on the potty
trying
flushing
handwashing
effort
Handwashing became part of the celebration — bubbles, foam, giggles.
It made the whole thing feel like a positive event.
A Funny Moment From Day Four
We had a playdate at home — day four of potty training.
Wees were going brilliantly.
Then… the “poo face.”
I was a fraction too late with the potty.
But we handled it, cleaned up, and then — in true toddler-parent solidarity — two adults and two kids all crowded around the toilet, waving goodbye to the poo as if it were a VIP leaving the building.
These are the moments parenthood gifts you — ridiculous, bonding, weirdly sweet.
Where We Are Now
A few of weeks in, and she’s absolutely smashing it.
Wees — brilliant, even when out and distracted
Poos — Had some successful days but mostly still spotting the face + the potty dash, but improving
Confidence — growing every day
Accidents — totally normal and handled calmly
No timeline.
No pressure.
Just her pace, our support, and a lot of celebration.
I couldn’t be prouder.
We also had a mew member join our family, Pip,
My Real-Life Tips (Not Expert Advice — Just Love & Experience)
1. A nappy caddy with everything in one place
It makes the first days much smoother.
2. Sticker chart — once successes start
Motivating, not confusing.
3. Verbal praise — the more the better
Celebration builds confidence.
4. Expect accidents — they’re part of learning
Stay calm, reassure, reset.
5. Poos take longer
Totally normal.
6. Let your child lead — not the clock
Follow their cues.
7. Celebrate their pride as much as the success
It matters.
The Emotional Bit — The Quiet Growing Up
There’s something deeply emotional about watching your child take this step.
It’s independence in the smallest, sweetest form.
A reminder that they’re growing, learning, and trusting you through every wobble.
Potty training isn’t perfect — but it’s powerful.
And I’m so, so proud of her.
And of us.
And of how far we’ve come together.
This won’t be the last time I write about potty training — it’s still a journey.
But right now, we’re in a place of growth, understanding, and celebration.
And that feels really special.d ethically produced garments.
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