Potty training is a significant parenting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Encouraging your little one to make the transition from diapers to the potty requires patience, creativity, and a lot of positive reinforcement. Thankfully, using rewards can transform this process into an enjoyable experience for both you and your child.
Rewards help kids associate potty training with something fun and exciting. When children feel celebrated for their efforts, they’re more likely to stay motivated, even when accidents happen. Here are 25 rewarding ideas to make potty training smoother, more engaging, and fun for everyone involved.
1. Sticker Charts for Small Wins
Sticker charts are a tried-and-true way to make potty training exciting. Create a colorful chart featuring your child’s favorite characters or themes. Each time they use the potty successfully, they get to pick a sticker and add it to their chart.
You can make the experience more interactive by letting your child choose their stickers beforehand. As they fill up the chart, offer a bigger reward, like a small toy or a special outing, to celebrate their progress.
2. Tiny Treats for Instant Gratification
Small treats like a jellybean, mini marshmallow, or a piece of chocolate can work wonders for potty training. Kids love the immediate reward, which keeps them motivated to keep trying.
If you want a healthier alternative, consider using raisins, small crackers, or pieces of dried fruit. The key is to offer just enough to make it feel special without overdoing it.
3. Special Potty Dance
What better way to celebrate success than with a goofy potty dance? Each time your child uses the potty, break out into a fun and silly celebration. Clap, spin, and wiggle to make them laugh and feel proud.
This reward doesn’t cost a thing and strengthens the bond between you and your child. It’s a moment of shared joy that encourages them to keep going.
4. Treasure Box of Goodies
Fill a treasure box with small surprises like mini toys, stickers, or crayons. Each time your child has a potty success, let them pick an item from the box.
You can make the experience even more exciting by wrapping the items like tiny gifts. It builds anticipation and makes every reward feel extra special.
5. Big Kid Privileges
Kids love feeling grown-up, and “big kid privileges” are a fantastic motivator. This can include staying up ten minutes later, choosing the bedtime story, or helping with a “big kid” task like setting the table.
These privileges not only make potty training exciting but also teach your child about the responsibilities that come with growing up. It’s a reward that reinforces positive behavior in a meaningful way.
6. Temporary Tattoos
Temporary tattoos are a unique and fun way to celebrate potty training milestones. Choose designs like animals, superheroes, or sparkly stars, and let your child proudly wear them as a badge of success.
Kids will love collecting different designs and showing them off to friends and family. It’s a reward that keeps them motivated long after they’ve left the bathroom.
7. Special Toy Playtime
Set aside a special toy or activity that your child can only access as a reward for potty success. This could be a puzzle, a new set of building blocks, or even some modeling clay.
By keeping the toy exclusive to potty training milestones, you create excitement and motivation. Your child will eagerly work toward earning their playtime.
8. Coin Jar Rewards
Introduce a reward jar where your child can drop a coin every time they use the potty. The sound and visual of the jar filling up are satisfying and motivating.
Once the jar is full, let your child exchange the coins for a fun outing or treat. This teaches them about goal-setting and the value of their efforts.
9. Custom Achievement Certificates
Personalized certificates are a simple but powerful way to celebrate milestones. Create fun awards like “Potty Star of the Day” or “Super Potty Achiever” and present them with lots of enthusiasm.
These certificates make your child feel proud and accomplished, turning potty training into a moment of celebration. Display them somewhere visible for added encouragement.
10. Potty-Themed Apps
Technology can make potty training interactive and fun. Download child-friendly apps with games, songs, and encouragement specifically designed for potty training.
Allow your child to play the app as a reward for their efforts. The combination of fun and education reinforces their potty habits in an engaging way.
11. DIY Reward Coupons
Create homemade coupons your child can redeem for fun activities. Ideas include a trip to the park, extra storytime, or a family movie night.
Each potty success earns them a coupon, and they can choose when to use it. This system gives them a sense of control and makes rewards feel extra special.
12. Celebrate with Balloons
Balloons are a simple but exciting reward for kids. Hand them a colorful balloon each time they succeed, or let them choose their favorite shape or color.
You can take it up a notch by adding stickers or drawings to the balloons to make them feel personalized. It’s a joyful and inexpensive way to celebrate progress.
13. Potty Champion Medals
Turn your child into a potty training champion with a special medal they can wear. You can make one at home using cardboard, glitter, and ribbon or purchase a simple medal online.
Your child will love the recognition and proudly wear their medal as they continue their potty training journey. It’s a tangible way to celebrate their achievements.
14. Fun Stamps on Their Hand
Washable stamps with fun designs make for an easy and creative reward. Each potty success earns your child a stamp they can proudly show off on their hand or arm.
They’ll look forward to collecting different stamps and seeing their progress throughout the day. It’s a small but impactful way to keep them excited.
15. Progress Charts with Milestones
A potty training progress chart allows your child to visually track their achievements. Include milestones like “sat on the potty,” “went pee,” and “went poop” for a step-by-step approach.
Each milestone can earn a sticker or star, creating a sense of accomplishment. The visual reinforcement encourages them to keep moving forward.
16. Mini Plush Toys
Mini plush toys are a delightful reward for kids who love cuddly companions. Offer one for every few successful potty trips to build their collection.
These toys can also serve as gentle reminders of their potty training journey. Your child will enjoy seeing their new friends grow in number.
17. Personalized Rewards
Every child has unique interests, so tailor rewards to what they love most. If your child is a dinosaur fan, use dino-themed stickers, toys, or books as rewards.
The more personal the reward, the more effective it will be in keeping them motivated. It shows that you’ve put thought into their achievements.
18. Ice Cream Outings
Celebrate major milestones, like a full day without accidents, with a family ice cream outing. Let your child pick their favorite flavor or toppings to make it even more special.
These bigger rewards reinforce that potty training is a big deal and deserve a meaningful celebration.
19. Potty-Themed Books
Books about potty training can be both educational and rewarding. Titles like “Potty” by Leslie Patricelli or “Everyone Poops” by Taro Gomi can make the process feel relatable and fun.
Reward your child with a new book to read together after they reach a milestone. It’s a thoughtful way to encourage their progress.
20. Big Kid Underwear
Let your child pick out special big-kid underwear with their favorite characters as a reward for consistent potty use. Make the occasion extra exciting by celebrating with a mini “underwear party.”
The pride of wearing big-kid underwear reinforces their achievements and motivates them to keep going.
21. Bubble Celebration
Bubbles bring instant joy and excitement to any celebration. Blow bubbles together after a potty success to create a moment of fun and connection.
Your child will associate the bubbles with their progress, making each success feel even more special. It’s a simple yet meaningful reward.
22. Special Outings
Plan a special outing to mark significant milestones, like going a full week accident-free. This could be a trip to the zoo, an indoor play area, or a picnic at the park.
These experiences create lasting memories and give your child something exciting to work toward as they continue their potty training journey.
23. Glow-in-the-Dark Starsc
Glow-in-the-dark stars make a magical and unique reward. Each time your child uses the potty, let them stick a star on their bedroom ceiling or wall.
Over time, they’ll have a constellation of stars that reminds them of their potty training achievements every night before bed.
24. Bath Bomb Fun
A fizzy, colorful bath bomb is a fantastic way to end a successful potty training day. Let your child choose their favorite scent or color to make bath time extra special.
This sensory reward is both relaxing and fun, making it a perfect way to reinforce good habits while winding down for the evening.
25. Family Celebration
Involve the whole family in celebrating your child’s potty training milestones. Call a grandparent to share the news or have siblings cheer and clap after a successful potty trip.
These shared moments of joy show your child that their progress is a big deal. It creates a supportive and encouraging environment for their success.
Final Thoughts
Potty training is a journey, and rewards can make all the difference. By celebrating each small win, you’re boosting your child’s confidence and keeping them motivated to reach the next milestone.
From sticker charts to family celebrations, there’s a reward on this list for every child and family. Choose the ones that resonate most with your little one, and watch as potty training becomes a fun and rewarding adventure.