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Potty training charts and tangible rewards can be a great addition to potty training. Not only can they serve as a motivator for kids to “go potty,” they can be a visual reminder of their progress, and perhaps, a goal they’re working towards.
That being said, for a potty chart or reward system to really land, your kid needs to have the type of personality that responds well to incentives, says Heather Wittenberg, mom of four, parenting psychologist and author of “Let’s Get This Potty Started! The BabyShrink’s Guide to Potty Training Your Toddler.” “Otherwise, you run the risk of putting on too much pressure: which is the surefire way to stir up a classic toddler ‘no!’”
Got a kid who loves colorful charts or gets pumped by rewards? Check our expert tips for potty charts and incentives, along with real-life examples.
Key takeaways
- Potty charts and small rewards can motivate some kids by making progress visible and giving them a concrete goal to work toward. They work best for children who like structure and incentives, but can backfire if they create pressure or power struggles.
- Keep rewards immediate, small and low-key so they support — not replace — your child’s internal motivation to use the potty. Simple options like a sticker, tiny treat or adding to a growing tower are often enough.
- The best chart is one your child enjoys and understands, whether it tracks steps, days or tokens toward a goal. If interest fades or resistance grows, scale back and return to a relaxed, child-led approach.
What are the benefits of potty training charts?
Potty training charts can help your child stay on track and feel accomplished in their progress, Wittenberg notes, “if they have the kind of personality that wants to please you, and ‘go with the program.’”
“Toddlers who are more independently-minded,” she adds, “are sure to scoff at your fancy potty training chart.”
What makes a good potty chart or reward?
According to Wittenberg, a potty training reward — one that’s immediate or that’s within a chart — should be good, but not over-the-top.
“You don’t want your potty training rewards or incentives to be too heavy-handed,” she says. “Don’t get stuck in an ever-increasing cycle of potty prizes. This decreases your child’s own natural drive to become independent.”
Potty training reward ideas
In terms of rewards, Kelly Sheehan, a board certified behavior analyst in Cleveland, says edible reinforcers work well. But again, don’t go crazy. Keep them high value, but easy and small.
A few ideas she suggests:
- One small piece of candy.
- One goldfish cracker.
- Half of a gummy bear.
- Part of a pretzel stick.
Non-edible rewards from both Sheehan and the Cleveland Clinic include:
- Stickers.
- Trinkets.
- Building blocks (watch their tower grow!).
Potty training chart ideas
For parents interested in going the chart route, here are 10 potty training charts to choose to consider.
1. Highest-rated potty training chart
One of the most simple — and highest-rated — potty training charts is the Hadley Designs Potty Training Chart, which has a 4.8 out of 5 star on Amazon. You can choose from three different styles, and each set comes with 10 sheets and stickers to use.
Where to buy: Hadley Designs Potty Training Chart ($13, Amazon)
2. Multi-step potty chart
From asking to use the potty to washing hands, this potty chart breaks the entire process down by steps; and with each step completed, the child gets a sticker.
Where to buy: Printable multi-step potty chart ($5, Endearing Designs MT/Etsy)
3. Potty training jar
So cute! With this potty training “reward jar,” kids get to put a magnetic token — a.k.a. poop, pee or a star — into a personalized jar. When they fill it up, they can receive a small prize.
Where to buy: Magnetic potty jar (starting at $17, Ha Manh Truong Art Co/Etsy)
4. Reusable potty chart
For a simple, straight-forward chart that’s visually appealing (with a few different theme options), this reusable chart fits the bill. This one breaks down the process, step-by-step as well.
Where to buy: Reusable potty chart ($10, Amazon)
5. Game-style potty training chart
This simple potty chart looks like a game — Candyland, to be exact. Have your child pick a small prize or trinket to “win” when they get to the end.
Where to buy: Game-style potty chart ($2 to download, Warrior Wins/Etsy)
6. DIY potty chart
Feeling crafty? Or simply don’t feel like spending the money? This no-frills DIY potty chart from Perla Ibarra is about as simple as it gets, while getting the job done.
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7. Potty chart with diploma
Make an event of it. This dinosaur-themed potty chart (there’s a unicorn-themed one, too) comes with everything — step-by-step instructions, stickers, a crown and a diploma for when they graduate to undies.
Where to buy: Dinosaur diploma potty chart ($10, Amazon)
8. Week-long potty chart
Another simple potty training chart, but the clincher in this one is that it breaks potty training down into the course of seven days. It also comes in three cute themes — space, zoo and savanna.
Where to buy: Week-long potty chart ($13, My Potty Watch)
9. Firefighter potty training chart
Got a truck watcher on your hands? Consider this eye-catching, bright red firefighter potty training chart, which also comes with tokens and a firefighter crown.
Where to buy: Firefighter potty training chart ($10 Amazon)
10. Felt, embroidered potty chart
Potty training, but make it chic. This clever, felt potty training “chart” is a novel way to present the classic potty chart — and it will look cute hanging in the bathroom!
Where to buy: Felt embroidered potty chart ($30, Subtle Simplicity/Etsy)
