Potty training can often feel like a never-ending challenge: equal parts chaos, confusion, and occasional comedy. As a mom of three — two boys and one girl — I quickly discovered that no two children approach this milestone the same way.
My oldest son preferred structure and privacy, while my middle child thrived on action and rewards. My youngest, my daughter, responded best to fun and creativity.
For Tennessee parents navigating the ups and downs of potty training, here are some creative and effective ideas that helped our family along the way — and even added a little humor to the process.
1. Bathroom Art: Drawing on the Potty Lid
One of the most surprisingly effective tricks? Letting my daughter use dry erase markers to draw on the open potty lid — while sitting backward. She thought it was hilarious to face the wall and create masterpieces on the lid. We’d wipe it clean after each session and start fresh.
Expert mom tip: Only give them one color to start and make it their least favorite color. Tell the child, “Each time we potty we get to pick another color!” My little girl suddenly wanted to pottle over and over all day to accumulate her rainbow of colors.
Why it works: Sitting backward on the potty gives kids a new, silly angle to try — plus, it keeps them entertained and seated longer if they tend to get antsy.
Supplies needed:
- Dry erase markers
- Baby wipes or a microfiber cloth for clean-up
2. Role Play with Dolls and Stuffed Animal
For my daughter, role play was everything. We brought her favorite stuffie into the bathroom and gave it its own mini potty (a plastic bowl worked perfectly). She’d narrate her stuffie’s entire bathroom experience with dramatic flair, and then proudly take her turn like a seasoned pro. A tiny cup of water to imitate the pee pee experience and a Cheeto for number 2 (I said it and I meant it) work like a charm.
Why it works: Modeling through play gives kids a chance to process the steps in a way that feels safe and familiar. It’s especially helpful for kids who like to lead the way and mimic adult behaviors.
Supplies needed:
- A favorite doll or stuffed animal
- A mini potty or small bowl
3. Potty Party Day
When things stalled with my middle child, we went all in and threw a “Potty Party Day.” We decorated the bathroom with streamers, balloons, and even a silly potty crown. I made a “potty playlist” of dance songs we only played during bathroom attempts. Each successful try got applause and ended with a dance break. We went all out, I’m talking Dollar Tree glow-sticks and all!
Why it works: Big gestures break up monotony and create positive associations. The excitement and novelty can spark new motivation, especially when a child is stuck or unmotivated.
Supplies needed:
- Streamers, balloons, or Dollar Store decorations
- A handmade crown or “Potty Star” sash
- Music playlist with songs like “Potty Like a Rock Star” or “Let It Go”
4. Flushable Confetti (a Little Potty Magic)
This was my daughter’s favorite reward. I found biodegradable flushable confetti online (there’s a million options) and gave her a small pinch to toss in after a successful potty trip. Watching it swirl around before flushing made her light up every time. She even called it her “Potty Party.”
Why it works: Kids love immediate, visual feedback. Confetti adds a festive, celebratory vibe to an otherwise routine event.
Supplies needed:
- Flushable, biodegradable tissue confetti (look for party or eco-friendly brands online)
- A small container to hold it (like a salt shaker or spice jar)
5. Potty Target Practice (a.k.a. The Cheerio Challenge)
This was the golden ticket with my middle boy. I’d toss a few Cheerios into the toilet and turn potty time into a game of “sink the cereal.” It gave them something to focus on — and aim for — which helped improve their coordination and made the process feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. By nature he is competitive, so this was an immediate win.
Why it works: Boys often struggle with focus and aim when learning to pee standing up. Adding a visual target turns the task into a fun, goal-oriented activity.
Supplies needed:
- A box of dry cereal (Cheerios work best)
- Optional: a fun timer or a silly chant (“Blast off in 3, 2, 1!”)
Helpful Potty Training Items That Made a Difference
If you’re ready to stock up or build your own potty training toolkit, here are a few extras that helped us make the most of each idea:
- A Prize Box – Fill it with small toys, stickers, or dollar store treasures to use as random rewards
- Flushable Wipes – Gentle for cleanup and teaching hygiene
- Step Stool – Helps kids reach the toilet and the sink for handwashing
- Potty Seat with Handles – Gives a secure, comfortable feel for beginners. I recommend this 100%! I can’t recommend this enough. The handles give stability and are a complete game changer.
- Potty Chart – Optional, but great for kids who love tracking progress visually
- Scented Hand Soap – Makes handwashing part of the reward loop
Every child finds their rhythm in their own quirky way: some through glitter, some through cereal torpedoes. My advice? Embrace the silly. Get creative. Celebrate the small wins (and dry pants). And remember, no potty journey is perfect, but the giggles along the way are totally worth it.