Download a free potty chart below, print it, and put it where your child can see it, such as on the bathroom door or the fridge. Each time your child sits on the potty, add a star or sticker together and tell them exactly what they did well, for example, "You listened to your body and sat on the potty!" Praise the try, not just the result. Never take a sticker away after an accident.
Stars
A grid of 7 days by 5 tries. Color in an outlined star together.
Stickers
Empty circles sized for 3/4-inch (19 mm) stickers, 7 days by 5 tries.
Steps
Notice, Tell, Sit, Wipe, Flush, and Wash hands, with a checkbox for each day.
Simple path
Twenty spaces that end at We did it together.
The name stays in your browser. We don't save it.
Stars potty chart
Name: ________
https://storybookstudio.io/potty-chart
How to use a potty chart
- Pick one or two clear behaviors to reward. For example, "sit on the potty" and "wash hands." The CDC says to choose specific behaviors, state what you want to see, and keep goals realistic for your child's age (CDC, Tips for Using Praise and Rewards).
- Put the chart where your child can see it. The CDC says the chart should use pictures and simple words and be placed where it's easy for the child to see (CDC, Tips for Using Praise and Rewards).
- Add the star or sticker right away. The CDC says rewards work best immediately after the behavior, and suggests letting your child watch you add it (CDC, Tips for Using Praise and Rewards).
- Say exactly what they did. The CDC calls this "labeled" praise. AAP says to be specific about why you are proud (CDC, Tips for Using Praise and Rewards and AAP, 12 Tips).
- Reward the try. Nemours suggests praising all attempts to use the toilet, even if nothing happens. Cleveland Clinic's example is a sticker for sitting and two for going (Nemours, Toilet Training and Cleveland Clinic).
- Never take a sticker away. The CDC says, "Never take away rewards your child has earned." Nemours says not to punish or show disappointment after an accident (CDC, Tips for Using Praise and Rewards and Nemours, Toilet Training).
- Phase it out. The CDC says to reward often at first, then change the behavior you reward or phase the program out as the habit forms (CDC, Tips for Using Praise and Rewards).
Should we use rewards at all?
Pediatric sources do not agree about rewards, and these notes do not pick a winner.
AAP's 12 Tips page says to avoid treats and punishments, because they "distract rather than encourage" (AAP, 12 Tips).
A different AAP page allows "perhaps even a small tangible reward" (AAP, Create a Potty Training Plan). AAP's method page mentions "gold stars on a chart or a small treat" as a method some parents use (AAP, method page).
Nemours suggests stickers or reading time and a chart of successes (Nemours, Toilet Training). The CDC lists using the potty among behaviors where rewards work well, and says social rewards (praise, hugs, time together) can be more powerful than material ones (CDC, Tips for Using Praise and Rewards). AAFP says to "use praise and reward systems." It also says evidence is too limited to recommend apps or virtual sticker charts (AAFP).
The common ground is specific praise for effort. A paper chart can be just a place to celebrate tries together, with no prize attached. For rewards that aren't candy, use stickers, stamps, coloring a star, choosing the bedtime book, or extra time together.
This is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your child's doctor if your child is 4 years or older and is not yet potty trained (Nemours, Toilet Training), if your child has pain while peeing or can't pee (Nemours, Pain While Peeing), or for hard poop or pain when having a BM (Nemours, Soiling).
Questions
Is the potty chart really free?
Yes. Download and print any version. You don't need an email address or an account.
What size paper does it print on?
Each chart comes in US Letter and A4 versions.
Do potty charts work?
Pediatric sources differ on rewards. Some AAP pages allow small rewards such as stars on a chart; AAP's 12 Tips page advises against treats. All of them support specific praise for effort. A chart is a tool for that praise. It doesn't potty train a child by itself.
What can I use instead of candy?
Stickers, stamps, or coloring in a star. Choosing the bedtime book. A high five, or extra time together. The CDC says social rewards like praise and attention can be more powerful than material ones.
Should I take away a sticker after an accident?
No. The CDC says never to take away rewards your child has earned. Nemours says not to punish or show disappointment after an accident.
When should we stop using the chart?
The CDC suggests rewarding often at first, then phasing the program out or switching to a new behavior once the habit forms.
Can I add my child's name?
Yes. Write it on the name line, or type it before printing. A typed name stays in your browser and isn't saved.