Potty Training with Grace

Alex Resch's tips show parents how potty training can be grace-filled, even in the midst of frustration.

The road to a potty-trained child can be ... messy! It can certainly be frustrating, but it can also be filled with incredible grace if we are open to it! Today, I will share 7 practical tips for potty training that helped me along the way, and I will point out how I saw it as a time of grace and opportunity to grow in virtue for me as a mother.

Please feel free to take all, some, or none of my advice. God gave your children to YOU for a reason, and you know what’s best for them.

Practical Potty-Training Tips 

Ease into potty training with a simple and low-pressure schedule, and be consistent.

Before bath time is a great time to try first with your child. Next, add the morning when your child wakes up. Greet him or her with a smile, hug, and quick morning prayer. Then, go straight to the potty, take off the diaper, and have the child sit. If your child goes potty, praise him or her greatly! Next, maybe try adding a potty time before or after lunch. Or, before leaving the house have your little one sit on the potty. 

Keep this predictable routine until the child connects having to go with sitting on the toilet. If they go, great! If not, just stay positive, encourage the good effort, and try again at the next designated time. Keeping a simple schedule will help you grow in diligence and self-discipline and will help your child know what to expect.

Always keep a change of clothes in your car and diaper bag.

Keep extra training pants, Pull-Ups, and diapers in your bag. 

Continue to carry at least one extra diaper or training pant in your bag for emergency circumstances, such as when a toilet is not available or if your child is having other troubles. Do not worry about if this happens because …

Your potty-training efforts will not be ruined if you have to use a diaper now and then. 

When my children were still having occasional accidents, I have put a diaper or Pull-Up on them to help them during a rough time. Doing this has not ruined our efforts, and they were back in underwear shortly after. It will also save your couch, car, and carpets!

Use waterproof covers on all mattresses. 

We cover all of our mattresses with a good waterproof cover. Mattresses are an investment, so protecting them from accidents is so worth it.

Expect that there WILL be accidents. 

There WILL be accidents weeks, month, or even a year or two down the line after your child has “graduated” from potty training. Accept these as opportunities to grow in patience and show your child compassion and grace.

Find out what motivates your child. 

Does your child enjoy stickers? Chocolate chips? A special potty song and dance? Consider a simple way to reward your child’s efforts — and consistently follow through with it when he or she uses the potty successfully. Eventually, you will phase out these positive reinforcements (you won’t have to do the potty dance forever!). Keep it consistent, fun, and joyful to celebrate your child’s accomplishments.

Potty Training Isn’t a Race 

Remember that, in raising children, Heaven is the goal — not how fast your child potty trains. Potty training is a challenging part of our vocation, but it can still be joyful and help us grow in virtue. As your child works on mastering his or her new skill, you will be working on increasing your own growth in patience, perseverance, prudence, self-control, and kindness. 

I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

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Copyright 2026 Alex Resch
Images: Canva