When to start potty training your toddler
Start when your child shows they're ready, often between 24 and 30 months, keep potty time short and calm, and praise every try.
Custom story for Kai
Kai feels the funny tummy feeling, gets to his own green potty in time, and flushes all by himself.
Kai and the Funny Tummy Feeling
Story created for Kai
Start when your child shows signs they're ready, says Cincinnati Children's: telling you they need to go, following you into the bathroom, or staying dry for at least two hours during the day. Most children gain control between 24 and 30 months. It suggests a potty chair on the floor, sitting no longer than five minutes, simple words like potty, pee and poop, and staying calm after accidents. It also suggests not starting right before a big change, like a move or a new baby.
A social story is one way to practice: your child sees themselves notice the feeling, walk to the potty and flush. That's why Tella is built so the story stars your child, with their own potty and the grown-up cheering them on, narrated and watched together.
A potty training social story video starring your child
Here's how Kai's story goes.
Kai feels a funny wiggle in his tummy and stops his train. 
His own little green potty chair, and Mom lifts the lid. 
Kai pushes the handle himself and waves bye-bye. 
Bubbly soap, clean hands, and Mom cheering him on.
Questions parents ask
- When should we start potty training?
- When your child shows signs of being ready rather than at a set age. Most children gain control between 24 and 30 months, and the average age of toilet training is 27 months, Cincinnati Children's says.
- What are the signs my toddler is ready for potty training?
- Telling you when they need to go, following you into the bathroom, and staying dry for at least two hours during the day.
- Is potty training regression normal?
- Yes. Setbacks happen, especially with illness or a big change, so be patient. If it's going badly, Cincinnati Children's suggests going back to diapers for a few weeks and trying again. Talk with your child's doctor about daytime accidents after age 3 or 4.
- Should we potty train before a new baby or a move?
- Try not to start right before one. Begin a few weeks before, or wait until things settle afterward.
- Is there a potty training video or book starring my child?
- Tella makes a story starring your child instead of a printed book or a cartoon. It's narrated, with your child, their potty and the grown-up cheering them on, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.
Questions parents ask about Tella
- Is it more screen time?
- You watch it together, and it's about a real day in your child's life. No feed, and every story has an ending.
- Is it safe?
- No photo needed. See what we keep and who sees it.
- Is it really about my child?
- Every scene shows your child and your family, not a name dropped into a template.
- What does it cost?
- Your first story is free. No card needed.
- Why not just ask ChatGPT?
- See how a Tella story compares.
Updated October 30, 2026.
Made by parents for kids.
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