Potty Training Problems

Potty training is new territory for your toddler. Up until now, she's been happy-go-lucky, learning about her new world at her own pace and making all kinds of exciting discoveries.

She's learned how to form sounds into words that communicate what she wants, she's learned how to put her legs under her and walk and all this was done at her own pace. She probably thinks she invented walking and talking.

Now all of a sudden, someone has decided she will no longer relieve herself in her diaper and plops her down on a potty and tells her to "go". This is fertile ground for problems.

Prevention is the Best Cure

Look at potty training from her perspective. What kind of introduction has she had to the toilet and the bathroom in general. Has this room been off-limits before now? Let her follow you into the bathroom before you start training her. Answer questions.

Let her flush the toilet and sit on it with the lid closed first. Believe it or not, many children are afraid of the toilet. They see things go down and not come back and wonder if that can happen to them.

When she's comfortable being around the toilet, let her sit on the seat. If she feels afraid, buy her a potty seat that snaps on securely or a potty chair. Humans are born with the fear of falling and sitting on a toilet seat with nothing under her can make your child feel like she's going to fall.

Make sure she feels safe at all times. One fright can be enough to make her resistant to potty training.

Problem vs. Stage

Regression, is when a child begins to learn, then suddenly seems to lose ground. Children who were perfectly happy to go along with the potty training routine all of a sudden begin having accidents frequently. Regression isn't always a problem.

There may be an external factor such as a change in her environment that's causing the regression or it may just be that she wants to slow down a little. Most experts agree that periods of regression are normal during training and, unless there is a medical condition such as a urinary tract infection, they do not need intervention. Simply continue to gently encourage her with her potty training and she'll get back on track.

Most potty training problems can be identified by looking at them through your child's eyes. Inconsistencies, fears, punishment for accidents and regression can all trigger potty training problems.