5 Potty Training Mistakes Parents Make (And How to Fix Them)
Ahhh potty training. That magical stage of parenting where you question your life choices while wiping pee off the carpet and googling “can a child go to university still in nappies?
Spoiler: yes, they’ll get it eventually. But in the meantime, there are a few common mistakes that make potty training way harder than it needs to be—especially with our sensory kids. Let’s save your sanity (and your carpet) by avoiding them.
1. Starting Too Soon 🚽⏰
We’ve all been there—your mate Karen brags that her little angel was dry at 18 months, and suddenly you’re panicking. But pushing before your child is ready just leads to meltdowns, resistance, and stress for everyone.
👉 Fix it: Look for readiness signs, not age. Can they pull their pants up and down? Do they notice when they’re wet? Are they showing interest in the toilet? Wait for their signals, not Instagram’s.
2. Expecting It to Happen Overnight 🌙✨
Sorry love, this isn’t a Netflix binge where you power through three days and BOOM they’re trained. (Yes, some kids do it in three days—but many don’t, and that’s okay.)
👉 Fix it: Think of it as a gradual process. Some kids nail daytime quickly but take months (or years) for nights. Celebrate progress, not perfection.
3. Ignoring Sensory Needs 🌀
This one’s HUGE. For autistic and sensory kids, things like the toilet being too cold, the flush being too loud, or pants feeling scratchy can derail everything. It’s not “bad behaviour”—it’s sensory overload.
👉 Fix it: Make the bathroom a calm space. Try soft lighting, quiet flush options, fun potty seats, or even headphones for the noise. Meet their sensory needs and the whole process feels less scary.
4. Power Struggles 💥
Potty training should not feel like you vs. your toddler in a WWE smackdown. Forcing, bribing too much, or punishing mistakes can backfire and make them dig their heels in harder.
👉 Fix it: Keep it positive. Praise effort, not just results. Offer gentle choices (“Do you want the blue potty or the green one?”). Stay calm even when you’re secretly screaming inside.
5. Forgetting That Accidents Happen 💦
Your child WILL have accidents. They’re not failing, and you’re not failing either. If you react with frustration, they’ll feel anxious and more likely to hold it in (which leads to constipation… which is its own nightmare).
👉 Fix it: Stock up on spare clothes, wipes, and patience. Treat accidents as part of the process, not a disaster.
The Bottom Line 🪄
Potty training is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes feels like a cruel prank from the parenting gods. But avoiding these common mistakes will make the journey smoother (and save your carpets).
👉 Want a step-by-step plan that’s actually written for sensory and autistic kids?
Grab my Sensory-Friendly Potty Training Guide here. It’s packed with visuals, trackers, tips, and a realistic 3-day plan to help you ditch the nappies without the tears.
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