What to Do If Your Toddler Refuses to Sit on the Potty

You’ve introduced the potty, made it sound fun, and maybe even had a few successful sits.. but suddenly, your toddler flat out refuses. They cry, run away, or perch for a few seconds before hopping up again. You’re left wondering what changed and how to get things back on track.

This moment can be really frustrating for parents. You know they’re capable, but every attempt feels like a battle. Maybe you’ve tried gently encouraging them, using praise, or even promising rewards. Potty time turns into a stand-off, and you start to feel like you’re going backwards.

But here’s the truth: resistance is normal. It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, and it doesn’t mean they’ll never get there. It’s simply a sign your toddler needs to feel more in control and safe with this new routine.

Gentle Ways to Encourage Your Toddler to Sit

Start small. Toddlers thrive on predictability, so rather than pushing for long sits or expecting results right away, focus on making sitting feel relaxed and familiar again.

• Change things up. Sometimes just switching from potty to toilet (or vice versa) can help. A change of scene can make it feel like something new and interesting.

• Add choice and control. Offer small options like, “Would you like to sit on the potty or the toilet?” or “Would you like to hold your teddy or your book while you sit?” Giving control reduces power struggles.

• Use simple time limits. Try counting out loud or using a short timer so your toddler knows there’s an end point — adding a few seconds every time is progress.

• Keep it light. Toddlers pick up on our emotions. Staying calm, even when it’s testing, makes all the difference. Avoid pushing or bribing, this stage is about rebuilding trust, not rushing results.

And if they still refuse? That’s okay. Take a short break, stay consistent, and keep the potty visible and part of everyday life. When they’re ready, they’ll return to it more confidently.

However if you haven’t started potty training yet or you’re still in the stage of gathering information and figuring out when and how to begin, now is the perfect time to start laying the groundwork.

There are a few simple things you can do before you even mention the potty that make all the difference later on. They help your toddler feel confident, capable, and ready when the time comes.

That’s exactly what my free guide, “5 Things to Do Before Starting Potty Training,” will walk you through.