Making the Potty Fun: Playful Tips for Reluctant Toddlers
Potty training is a major milestone — but for many toddlers, it can also feel like a big, unfamiliar change. If your child is strong-willed, hesitant, or simply uninterested in leaving their toys behind to head to the bathroom, you’re not alone.
The good news? Toddlers thrive when learning is rooted in play. Making the potty experience fun and engaging can reduce power struggles, ease resistance, and help your child feel more confident throughout the process.
Below are simple, child-approved ways to make both the transition to the bathroom and time spent on the potty more enjoyable.
Playful Ways to Make the Transition to the Bathroom Fun
If your child resists even walking into the bathroom, try making the journey part of the fun. Here are some playful ideas to turn the transition into an exciting adventure:
1. Do Animal Walks
Challenge your toddler to move to the bathroom like their favorite animal — hop like a bunny, slither like a snake, stomp like a dinosaur, or crawl like a sloth. You can take turns choosing animals, or let your toddler be the boss. Watching you crawl across the floor is half the fun!
2. Have a Race
Most toddlers are naturally competitive. Say, “Let’s see who can get to the bathroom first!” and watch them take off. You can also use toy vehicles — you pick one, they pick one — and race them along the hallway to see whose makes it to the bathroom first.
3. Turn on a Special Potty Song
Choose one upbeat, fun song that becomes the potty song. When your toddler hears it, they know exactly what time it is — and dancing their way to the bathroom helps make the transition smoother.
4. Create a Path or Obstacle Course
Use painter’s tape to make a winding line on the floor they have to balance on as they walk to the bathroom. You can also use sensory tiles or stepping stones for an added challenge. Following a path gives toddlers something active and exciting to focus on.
5. Set a Timer (and Give Them the Job)
Place a small timer in the bathroom and set it for when it’s time to go. Say, “You have the important job of turning it off!” Toddlers love responsibility, and giving them ownership often reduces resistance.
Playful Ways to Make Sitting on the Potty Fun
A common hurdle in potty training is getting toddlers to sit long enough to actually go. Aim for 5 minutes for pee and 10 minutes for poop, and use these playful strategies to help make that time enjoyable:
1. Add Food Coloring or Glitter to the Potty Water
A drop of blue or green food coloring makes the water look magical — and toddlers love seeing it “change colors” when they pee.
2. Read Books or Sing Songs
Bring in a couple of designated potty books or sing a favorite song together. This provides connection and keeps them engaged while sitting.
3. Use Special Potty Toys
Having a small set of toys that only come out during potty time can increase motivation. (See my blog post The Power of Potty Toys to read the benefits of potty toys!)
4. Let Them Bring a Comfort Item
If your toddler loves a specific stuffed animal or blanket, let them bring it along. Familiar items help create a sense of safety and calm.
5. Create a Potty Handshake
Come up with a fun handshake you do together before or after sitting — something silly, special, and just for potty time. Kids love routines that feel “theirs.”
Final Thoughts
Making potty training fun doesn’t mean giving up structure — it simply helps your toddler feel more comfortable, connected, and willing to participate. By weaving play into the process, you’re reducing stress for both of you and laying the foundation for a positive potty training experience.
If you’re looking for more gentle, child-led potty training strategies, be sure to check out my other resources and guides!