Nobody talks about potty training from a dad’s perspective.
It’s always “mom tips” and “mother’s guides.” But dads are in the trenches too—and honestly, we approach it differently.
Here’s what worked for us (and what definitely didn’t).
When We Started
Kayden was about 2.5 when we began. We tried at 2 and it was a disaster—he just wasn’t ready.
Signs he was ready:
- Staying dry for longer stretches
- Telling us when he was going (even if after the fact)
- Interest in the bathroom
- Hating wet diapers
The Dad Approach
I kept it simple and low-pressure:
1. Made it fun, not stressful. We got a little seat that goes on the regular toilet. He felt like a big kid using “daddy’s potty.”
2. Celebrated wins hard. High fives, dance parties, the whole thing. Positive reinforcement works.
3. Didn’t shame accidents. “Oops, let’s try again next time” instead of frustration. They can sense stress.
4. Let him watch me. Sounds weird, but kids learn by example. He wanted to do what dad does.
What We Used
👉 Training underwear (way better than pull-ups for daytime)
The Timeline (Reality Check)
- Week 1-2: Lots of accidents. Normal.
- Week 3-4: Starting to get it during the day.
- Month 2: Mostly reliable (with reminders).
- Month 3+: Nighttime took longer—that’s normal too.
What Didn’t Work
- Asking “do you need to go potty?” every 5 minutes (annoying for everyone)
- Getting frustrated after accidents
- Comparing to other kids’ timelines
Final Thought
Every kid is different. Kayden wasn’t fully night-trained until closer to 4—and that’s fine.
Your job as a dad: be patient, be positive, and know that no one goes to college in diapers.
They’ll get there.
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