Parents of toddlers spend a lot of time considering if their child's ready for potty training and what method will work best. But there's one decision they're often not prepared for: whether or not to reward kids for using the potty.
In some corners of the parenting space, rewarding potty training is an ongoing debate. Parents know what's best for their little ones, and every child and potty training journey is unique. Here's what you need to know to make the best decision for your child when the time comes.
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Do rewards make children more motivated during potty training?
The human brain is wired to enjoy rewards, but there are different kinds of motivation to consider.
Intrinsic motivation is when the desire to take action is tied to an internal feeling of comfort, enjoyment, or accomplishment.
Extrinsic motivation is connected to receiving an external reward, recognition, or avoiding punishment meted out by an outside person.
Some toddlers are intrinsically motivated to potty train. They express curiosity and interest in using the potty and discomfort when wearing a wet or soiled diaper. For intrinsically motivated toddlers, the relief, pride, and bodily autonomy of successfully using the potty is reward enough. Add in some praise for a job well done, and they're encouraged to keep going (literally).
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Other toddlers need more coaxing to use the potty, even when they show all the signs of readiness. Going from diapers to the potty is a big transition that can feel uncomfortable and challenging. It takes a number of developmental skills to recognize bodily signs, remove clothing and pull down diaper pants, physically sit on the potty, and then use it.
Reluctant potty trainers are often more extrinsically motivated to potty train. Rewarding their progress can make them excited about using the potty.
How can parents reward kids for potty training?
A reward is anything given or received in return for a behavior. It can be simple and in the moment, like praise or a high five. Or it can be more tangible, like a sticker or small toy.
The goal of the reward is to reinforce positive behaviors immediately after they occur. At the start of potty training, simply sitting on the potty might be rewarded. Later, rewards might be limited to successfully using the potty.
4 tips for using rewards effectively during potty training
1. Consistently lead with praise.
Potty training is a crucial time to support your child's growth mindset by praising effort, not just outcomes. Acknowledge your child's efforts with words first. This may be all the reward intrinsically motivated kiddos need. But even if you give tangible rewards to your child, make sure to verbally praise them first.
2. Think long-term.
Some families try a few different potty training methods over a number of weeks before their child successfully masters the skill. If you're planning to give tangible rewards, choose small items that feel special and motivating to your child, but won't become problematic over time.
Some parents who use candy and snacks as rewards find it difficult to set boundaries and healthy habits around snacking later. You can imagine how difficult this could get with screen-time rewards!
3. Be thoughtful when choosing rewards.
You know best what your child finds difficult about potty training and what motivates them to keep trying.
Small celebratory moments—a round of applause, ringing a special bell, or dancing to your kiddo's favorite song—might be rewarding enough. Consider starting small and intangible with rewards.
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If you decide to give tangible rewards, create a system that feels appropriate, inexpensive, and easy for all caregivers to enforce. Many families choose a smaller reward for going #1 and a bigger reward for going #2. Having two separate rewards might feel too complicated, though, and that's okay.
4. In the first few weeks, reward your child immediately.
Toddlers have no grasp of "later." If you give a sticker hours after using the potty, your child may not connect their action to the reward. So be sure to have plenty of rewards on hand. As you give the reward, explain why you're giving it.
5. Gradually phase out tangible rewards to foster intrinsic motivation.
Using the potty should become a normal routine, not a constant power struggle or rewards negotiation. As your child becomes comfortable and adept at using the potty, gradually reduce the frequency of rewards. You can also transition the reward to focus on a longer-term goal. Instead of rewarding every #1 or #2, you might have a single reward for going a full day without an accident.
One thing to keep consistent: Praise. Your words sow feelings of pride and accomplishment in your toddler, key facets of intrinsic motivation that'll serve them well beyond the bathroom.
References
Mayo Clinic. (2024.) Potty Training: How to get the job done. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
Morris, L., Grehl, M., Rutter, S., Mehta, M., and Westwater, M. (2022.) On what motivates us: a detailed review of intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation. Psychol Med. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
Crystal Karges Nutrition. Potty Training Rewards Ideas: How To Reward Potty Training Without Food. Retrieved July 21, 2026.
