Why Won’t My Toddler Pee in the Potty?(And What You Can Gently Do About It)
A common potty training question I hear —
“My toddler will poop on the potty, but not pee. What’s going on?”
If that’s happening in your home, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing anything wrong. In fact, for many toddlers, the urge to poop feels bigger and easier to notice, while the urge to pee is more subtle and easier to miss.
Let’s break down why this happens and what you can do to help.
💧 Why Pee Might Feel Harder
Pee cues are quieter. Toddlers may not register the feeling until it’s already too late. That’s not defiance — it’s development.
Pee happens more often. Which can feel annoying or frustrating to a toddler who wants to keep playing.
They’re nervous about losing control. Peeing requires relaxing pelvic floor muscles — something they’re still learning how to do.
✅ What You Can Gently Try
Here are a few ways to support your toddler with peeing on the potty:
1. Slow things down.
During transitions (like before leaving the house or going to bed), take a pause. Try saying:
👉 “Let’s give your body a minute to check in. Does it feel full or quiet?”
This helps them start building body awareness — without pushing.
2. Use play to build practice.
Play-based routines lower pressure and help toddlers learn without power struggles. Try:
👉 Blowing bubbles on the potty (it relaxes the belly and pelvic floor!)
👉 Singing silly potty songs every time they sit
3. Make it their idea.
Give your toddler choices so they feel more in control:
👉 “Would you like to try the frog potty or the big toilet today?”
👉 “Do you want to sit before snack or after snack?”
Little decisions = more cooperation.
Progress, Not Perfection
Remember: it’s completely normal for toddlers to be at different stages with pee and poop. With gentle support, connection, and a little creativity, things will click.
And when they do? It’s magic. 🌟
If you want a step-by-step plan that covers body awareness, self-initiation, and creating a rhythm that actually works for your toddler —
My potty training guide walks you through it all.
Grab it here 👉 Potty Training Playfully