Working with Nursery on Toilet Training: The Light-Hearted Parent’s Guide
Toilet training: the grand adventure where small bottoms, tiny potties and big emotions collide. It’s a stage that can turn even the calmest parent into someone who cheers wildly at a single successful wee.
The great news? You’re not trekking this journey alone — we are right there with you, armed with experience, encouragement, and a suspicious number of spare leggings.
Let’s make this funny, friendly and a lot less stressful.
Start with a Cheerful Chat
Before you officially enrol your toddler in “Potty University,” speak with your child’s key worker. Tell them:
• what’s happening at home
• what your child loves (dinosaurs? bubbles? biscuits?)
• what your child absolutely refuses to do (often: “sit still”)
Nursery staff have seen it all — from potty superstars to children who use the potty as a hat. Nothing surprises them.
Build Your Toilet Training Masterplan
Think of this as forming a superhero team: you, your child, and the nursery. Consistency is your superpower.
Together, choose:
• potty or toilet (your child may have strong opinions on throne preference)
• timings (“after snack” often works wonders)
• words everyone uses (“toilet time!” not “bathroom mission activate!” unless you prefer that)
It doesn’t have to be serious — it just has to be the same everywhere.
Dress for Potty Success
This is not the time for complicated outfits. Forget zips that require a maths degree.
Think:
• stretchy trousers
• leggings
• shorts
• anything that can come off in 1.4 seconds
Because sometimes 1.4 seconds is all you get.
And always pack spare clothes — many spare clothes. If you think you’ve packed enough, pack one more.
Accidents Are Part of the Plot
When potty training, “Oops!” will become your most-used word. Accidents aren’t failures — they’re practice rounds.
Nursery staff are accident-handling ninjas. Calm faces, quick changes, zero fuss. Copy their approach at home: “Well done for trying! Let’s try again later.”
No drama. No guilt. Just a fresh pair of trousers and onward you go.
Keep the Communication Flowing
Nursery staff might notice:
• your child always needs the toilet after bananas
• your child has chosen one particular toilet as their toilet
• your child prefers cheering crowds (or total silence) when trying
Share what works at home, and they’ll share what works at nursery. Collaboration is magic.
Tips for Parents: The Silly, Sensible Edition
1. Spot the Signs
Does your child hide behind curtains to do a poo? Great — that’s actually a readiness sign.
2. Make It Fun
Read books, sing songs, or invent a “wee wee wiggle dance.” The sillier, the better.
3. Stick to Simple Words
Everyone saying “toilet time” stops your child wondering why nursery calls it a “potty” while you call it a “porcelain kingdom.”
4. Celebrate Every Try
Clapping, cheering, stickers — go wild. Toddlers love praise like adults love a lie-in.
5. Stay Chill
If you step in a puddle, breathe. If you wash the same trousers three times in a day, breathe. This too shall pass (no pun intended).
6. Take Breaks if Needed
If your toddler is dramatically refusing the toilet like a tiny Shakespeare actor, pause training for a bit.
7. Pack the Right Kit
Spare clothes. Wipes. More spare clothes. Snacks (for you). Trust me.
8. Keep It Consistent
If nursery says “toilet time,” so do you. Confusion leads to protest, and we want progress, not protest.
Celebrate the Big Achievement
When your child finally cracks it — no accidents at home or nursery — throw the biggest celebration you like. A dance party? A sticker? A biscuit? All three? Why not!
Potty training is a wild ride, but with humour, patience, and teamwork, your child will be proudly using the toilet in no time.
