The Follow-Up: Potty Training

The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

Dr. Mona Amin

Medicine, Kids & Family, Health & Fitness, Parenting

4.9 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 26 January 2026

⏱️ 15 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Potty training can feel smooth one day and completely off track the next. In this Follow Up episode of the PedsDocTalk podcast, Dr. Mona revisits a favorite potty training conversation while actively potty training her own youngest child and dealing with very real regressions. Dr. Mona is joined by Allison Jandu, founder of The Potty Training Consultant, to break down readiness, timing, and how to choose a method that fits your child and your family. They talk through the average age for potty training, common signs of readiness, and why age alone should not drive the decision. This episode compares gradual approaches and shorter weekend-style methods, explores why some kids resist even when they seem ready, and explains how pressure, timers, and rewards can sometimes backfire. You will also hear practical guidance on floor potties versus toilet seats, using daily routines to support learning, and helping kids feel more in control through play and choice. If potty training feels confusing, frustrating, or messier than expected, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and realistic support. Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome back to the follow-up, where we revisit a favorite episode on the Pete's Dock Talk
0:06.8	podcast in less time than it takes your toddler to decide they absolutely will not sit on the potty.
0:13.0	I've been there. I'm releasing this one for a very real reason. We are potty training,
0:18.0	our last child. Yes, last, which means we are close to being done with diapers and pull-ups, and I'm so excited.
0:26.5	And also, we are dealing with some very normal, very hard regressions, and more of that in a future YouTube video.
0:33.1	Because when potty training feels like it suddenly went off the rail, it helps to come back to the basics. In this episode, I welcome Allison, the founder of the potty training consultant to walk
0:41.9	through readiness, timing, methods, and how to support kids without pressure. And if you want more
0:47.2	support, I also have my own potty training guide and a course to walk you through this step by step.
0:53.5	If this episode helps you, make sure to subscribe, download the episode.
0:57.7	If you haven't heard it yet, those two things are very important for the show to grow,
1:01.0	or download the full episode linked in the bio.
1:03.5	And please share it, tag at the Pete's Doc Talk podcast at Pete's Doc Talk
1:07.6	so other parents and caregivers know they are not alone in this phase.
1:12.2	Let's get to it.
1:17.8	So what is the average age in terms of, you know, in the U.S. for boys and girls?
1:23.3	Is it different? Is it the same?
1:25.1	It's, it varies by a couple of months, but the average overall is right around 36 months.
1:32.4	For girls, it's a little bit on the younger end.
1:35.5	I think girls is around 32 months and boys are around 38 months.
1:39.3	So it kind of averages out right around 36.
1:42.1	Do you feel that toddlers should start potty training at a certain time
1:46.1	or when they show certain signs of readiness or is it a combination of both? Yeah, so it's kind of a
	...

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