The Oh Crap! Potty Training Podcast

In this episode, I’m calling out the biggest myth of the holiday season—that you can make magic or “craft core memories” for your kids. You can’t. What your child remembers isn’t the matching pajamas or perfect tree—it’s how they felt. I’ll share stories from my own childhood (poverty, oranges, and pancake dinners), and how those simple, cozy moments turned into the most meaningful memories of all...

In this episode of  Oh Crap Potty Training , we’re talking about a question that trips up so many parents:  Should you tell your child ahead of time that you’re starting potty training?  Some kids need a heads-up, while others will use that time to dig in their heels. And what about when your toddler says,  I’ll potty train when I’m three —do you wait? (Spoiler: No.) Plus, we’ll dive into why kids...

In this week's episode of Oh Crap Potty Training, I’m diving into something I see over and over with parents—how consistency can make or break your potty training journey (and your parenting in general). We chat about how anything done repeatedly becomes a habit, whether it’s good or bad. So if your kid is peeing on the floor every day, guess what? That’s their new normal. I’m breaking down wh...

In this week’s episode of Oh Crap Potty Training, I’m tackling two major potty training pitfalls: potty word salad and empty praise. 🚽✨ If you’ve ever found yourself saying “potty” a million times a day or over-praising every tiny success, this one’s for you. I break down why too much potty talk can actually backfire and make your kid dig in their heels. Plus, we’re talking about why kids don’t...

In this week’s episode of  Oh Crap Potty Training , I’m addressing two of the biggest misconceptions about potty training: that it’s a three-day process and that your toddler will self-initiate right away. Spoiler alert—it’s neither of those things! I’m sharing why modern kids, especially post-pandemic toddlers, often need more time and support to master potty training and why self-initiation usua...

In this episode of  Oh Crap Potty Training , I dive into the ins and outs of transitioning your child from a crib to a bed and why it’s essential for successful night training. We’re talking about fostering independence, avoiding common pitfalls like sleep sacks and bedtime bottles, and creating a sleep environment that actually works for both you and your kiddo. I’ll share practical tips, includi...

In this episode of  Oh Crap Potty Training , I’m breaking down the four big reasons why potty training before age three makes life easier for you and your child. From avoiding power struggles during the “three-nager” stage to preventing looming preschool deadlines, I’m sharing why early potty training sets your child up for success. I also dive into how waiting too long can disrupt developmental s...

In this week’s episode of  Oh Crap Potty Training , I’m talking about something that trips up a lot of parents: staying authentic during potty training. It’s easy to slip into “teacher mode” with a serious voice and extra pressure, but that can put your child on high alert and actually slow down progress. I share how to approach potty training as your real, everyday self—mistakes, messes, and all—...

⁠In this week’s episode of Oh Crap Potty Training, I’m focusing on the importance of balancing short-term wins with long-term goals in parenting. We’ll look at why quick fixes, like keeping your child in a crib or using sleep sacks, might feel easier now but can create challenges down the road—like dependency or bedwetting. I also discuss why proactive steps, like early night training and introduc...

In this week’s episode of Oh Crap Potty Training, we’re tackling the tricky topic of rewards and consequences in potty training—and parenting in general. I explain why rewards can actually lead to more problems, especially with young kids, and how we can shift from a controlling approach to one that supports autonomy and self-mastery. I also share thoughts on natural consequences, why it’s so impo...

In this episode, I talk about why using toy timeouts during potty training might not be the best move. Taking away a beloved toy can actually make your child feel unsafe and insecure, which isn’t what we want when we're helping them learn. For kids under six, immediate and relevant consequences work best, as they can’t always grasp delayed actions. I also share why nurturing your child’s learning...

⁠We're diving into the world of poop. Yup, we’re talking about everything from funky colors to strange textures and how teething, hydration, and fiber all play a role in your kid’s digestion. I also share my go-to resource, the Bristol Stool Chart, to help you track your child’s digestive health. If you’re dealing with poop problems (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), this episode is packed wit...

In this episode, I get into the real deal about learning and how it applies to potty training. Spoiler: you’re not teaching your child how to pee or poop—they already know how to do that! What we’re really teaching is where to put it. I cover why consistency, repetition, and commitment are the keys to success in potty training and why taking shortcuts or expecting quick results can backfire. I als...

I shared this episode on Oh Crap Parenting last week but because I think it's so important I couldn’t go without sharing it here on Oh Crap Potty Training too. I address what might be the most important topic we’ve covered to date: the impact of parental exhaustion and the crucial need for connection with our kids. Lately, I’ve been seeing more and more behavioral issues—meltdowns, out-of-cont...

In this episode, I dive into some of the pitfalls parents often encounter when potty training, especially when they follow advice from sources that might not be as credible as they seem. I talk about why relying solely on your pediatrician for potty training guidance might not be the best move—they simply don’t have the time or specialization needed to tackle this milestone effectively. I also add...

Today, I'm talking about when potty training just isn't going well. Ever feel like you're at your wit's end and everything's chaotic? That's when it's time for a Potty Training Reset. I'll explain how to start fresh without sending the wrong message to your kiddo. We’ll talk about the sweet spot for starting potty training, ideally between 20 to 30 months, and why w...

I'm tackling the big one: expectations versus reality in potty training. Let's get real, folks—unrealistic expectations can mess with your head and make the whole process way more stressful than it needs to be. We’ll talk about how to manage those expectations, stay flexible, and keep an open mind. Every kid learns at their own pace, and they’re going to hit bumps along the way. I’ll share...

Hey, hey, you guys! Today, I dive into the concept of the inner 'f it,' where kids might show aggressive behavior due to being sick of the process. It's crucial to recognize when your child is struggling and to provide the right support without overwhelming them with excessive praise or criticism. Acknowledging small wins authentically helps foster self-esteem and confidence. I also em...

I'm diving into the nitty-gritty of summer potty training. Summer is a fantastic time to potty train—less clothing, more time at home—but it comes with its own set of challenges. We'll talk about how travel plans and those beloved pool and beach days can throw a wrench in your potty training progress. I'll be sharing why swim diapers can be a major setback and why it's crucial to m...

Hey, hey! In this episode, I’m diving into the hot topic of poop withholding, again. Poop withholding isn’t about your kid not being "ready"—it's a muscular reaction to anxiety. To help, I’ve launched a Poop Withholding Course with HD videos, workbooks, and a supportive community. Understanding this issue early is crucial, as it ranges from mild to severe anxiety-driven behaviors. Pl...

Get ready for summer with me in this special episode as we revisit all the essential strategies for transitioning smoothly into the sunny season with your little ones, originally aired on Episode 132 of the Oh Crap! Parenting podcast. From tackling endless snacking dilemmas with protein-packed snack ideas to keeping boredom at bay with creative activities like marble runs and fort building, I'...

First off: listen till the end. There's lots of great info towards the end. Today, we are entering the world of magnesium with Dr. Barb Woegerer! Dr. Barb Woegerer, a naturopathic doctor based in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, specializes in women's health, stress management, and inflammatory conditions, with a key emphasis on the role of magnesium in overall health and wellness, especially in...

Today, we're talking limit testing behavior in potty training. Kids often push boundaries by purposefully having accidents or making inappropriate statements to gauge parental reactions. I stress the significance of setting firm boundaries and remaining consistent in enforcing them, likening it to putting a fence around a yard for safety. It's essential to differentiate between behavior-dr...

I'm coming at you with a little bit of tough love, today. We're talking behavioral issues that often get mistaken for potty training challenges. From playing in poop to uncontrollable diarrhea and refusal to wear clothes, these issues can be more than just about using the potty. I dive into each scenario, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying behavioral and parenting dynamic...

Transitioning back to daycare or preschool after spring break can be daunting, but fear not! In this episode, we dive into strategies to navigate this tricky phase. From understanding daycare bathroom setups to fostering open communication with providers, I've got you covered. Join me as we tackle the ins and outs of potty training during this transitional period and set your child up for succ...