November 21, 2024

Common Potty Training Issues and How to Avoid Them

Potty training is a big milestone but can also come with its fair share of challenges. It’s normal for both you and your little one to encounter a few bumps along the way. And, there are things you can do to avoid them or navigate them if issues come up. Many potty “issues” are part of the learning journey; some may need a bit more attention. Below, we’ll walk through some of the most common potty training issues, share tips on how to avoid them, and offer advice on what to do if they’re already happening.

1. Potty Resistance

Potty resistance happens when your child refuses to use the potty, even when they need to go.

How to Avoid Potty Resistance:

Potty resistance is a common challenge, but there are ways to help prevent it.

Avoid pressure: Make sure potty training feels like a fun and low-pressure activity. Let your child feel in control of the process by teaching them to recognize when they need to use the potty.
Encourage independence: Let your child take the lead by choosing their own potty supplies, such as a fun potty seat or special underwear. This gives them a sense of ownership in the process.
Introduce gradual steps: If they’re hesitant, begin by introducing the potty in a casual way. Give them an opportunity each day to sit on the potty. Make it optional! A great time to offer a potty sit is right before bathtime! When your child is comfortable with that, you can introduce a potty training approach one step at a time.

What to Do If Potty Resistance Is Already Happening:

If potty resistance becomes a challenge, here’s what you can do:

Give them a break: If your child is feeling overwhelmed or resistant, give them a break from potty training for a few days or weeks before trying again. When you head back into it, consider what to tweak about your approach to make it an enjoyable experience for your little one.
Be patient and positive: Avoid making potty time a battle. Keep the experience light-hearted with playful songs, books, or rewards for trying. Avoid forcing potty sits and, instead, teach your child how to recognize when they need to go potty.
Address underlying fears: Some children resist potty training because they fear the flushing sound or the feeling of sitting on the toilet. Offer reassurance and let them know it’s okay to take things slowly. You can even avoid flushing until they have the main goal mastered of eliminating in the toilet.

2. Potty Accidents

Accidents are a normal part of potty training, but you can minimize their frequency and long-term potty accidents by setting your child up for success.

How to Avoid Potty Accidents:

Stay consistent: Follow a potty plan that you feel like you can stick to. Consider if other caregivers will be able to follow through with the plan, as well.
Dress them appropriately: Choose clothes that are easy to remove. If your child can quickly take off their pants or underwear, they’re less likely to have an accident in a hurry.
Encourage them to listen to their body: Teach your child to recognize the signs of needing to go to the bathroom. The sooner they learn to notice these cues, the fewer accidents they’ll have.

What to Do If Potty Accidents Are Already Happening:

Accidents are bound to happen, especially in the early stages. If potty accidents become frequent or continue for a while:

Stay calm and patient: Avoid punishing your child for accidents. Instead, calmly remind them of the new expectations around using the potty.
Offer positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your child when they successfully use the potty. This reinforces the behavior and helps them understand that the goal is to stay dry and clean by using the potty.
Consider barriers to progress: If accidents are frequent, ask yourself if there is anything going on in your child’s life that may be influencing their potty behavior. Always rule out any potential medical concerns, as well.

3. Potty Regressions

Potty regressions can occur when your child suddenly starts having accidents after they’ve been trained for a while.

How to Avoid Potty Regressions:

While potty regressions happen, you can reduce the likelihood by:

Staying consistent: Keep your potty training routine consistent, even if life gets busy. Stability helps children feel secure during the learning process.
Minimizing stress: Life changes—like moving, a new sibling, or starting preschool—can cause regressions. Try to minimize stress and maintain normalcy during such transitions.
Encourage continued success: Once your child has potty training down, continue to provide encouragement and praise successes. This will help them maintain progress with their big new skill.

What to Do If Potty Regressions Are Already Happening:

If your child has started regressing, here’s how to handle it:

Be patient and understanding: Reassure your child that it’s okay to have setbacks. Stay calm and avoid showing frustration.
Look for triggers: If your child’s regression coincides with a life change or stressor, address that underlying issue to help them feel more secure.
Revisit training basics: Go back to the basics of potty training. Consider a “booster weekend” where you refocus on potty training. You can even bring a reward back temporarily to help your child get back on track.

4. Potty Withholding

Potty withholding occurs when your child refuses to go to the bathroom, even when they need to.

How to Avoid Potty Withholding:

Potty withholding often occurs because a child is nervous or afraid to use the potty. It can also often be associated with constipation. Here’s how to avoid it:

Create a stress-free environment: Make the bathroom a relaxed and positive place. Try to make it fun with books, songs, or toys to take the pressure off.
Don’t force them: Never force your child to go to the potty or to stay on the potty for extended periods. Teach them to go when they feel the sensation and honor when they are ready to get off the potty.
Address constipation first: If your child has been dealing with constipation, address the root cause before starting to potty training. Difficulty with bowel movements will likely get worse if you potty train when your child has discomfort with passing stool.

What to Do If Potty Withholding Is Already Happening:

If your child is holding in their pee or poop, here are some strategies:

Address any underlying fear or discomfort**: If your child is afraid of sitting on the potty or has had a painful experience (like constipation), address that fear with calm reassurance and support.
Use positive reinforcement: Praise and reward small steps toward using the potty, even if it’s just sitting on the potty for a few seconds.
Consult a healthcare provider: If withholding continues and leads to constipation or pain, it may be worth discussing with your child’s healthcare provider to identify and treat the root cause of constipation.

5. Potty Issues in Certain Locations

It’s common for kids to struggle with using the potty outside of their usual environment.

How to Avoid Potty Issues in Certain Locations:

You can support your child in using the potty in different locations like preschool, daycare, grandma’s house, or the park. Here’s how to avoid issues with going potty in certain locations:

Practice in new settings: Take your child on a “potty tour” where you visit public restrooms and practice using them. Familiarity can help reduce anxiety about new places.
Stay consistent: Make sure your child follows the same potty routine, whether at home or out in public. When possible, bring familiar items with you and a comfortable potty seat.
Give them time: Be patient with your child when they’re in a new location. Let them take their time to feel comfortable and build confidence in using new bathrooms.

What to Do If Potty Issues in Certain Locations Are Already Happening:

If your child is having trouble using the potty outside familiar settings:

Encourage familiarity: Bring familiar items, like a favorite potty seat, when you go out to make the new location feel less intimidating.
Reassure them: If your child is scared of public restrooms or unfamiliar places, offer calm and positive encouragement. Take things slow by starting with bathrooms at familiar places that are similar to bathrooms your child is comfortable in.
Be patient: Remember that it may take time for your child to feel comfortable using the potty in unfamiliar places. Be encouraging and keep trying.

Next Steps for a Positive Potty Training Experience

Potty training can be filled with challenges, but knowing how to avoid common issues and how to handle them when they arise can make the process much smoother. By staying consistent, patient, and supportive, you’ll help your child feel confident and capable as they master this new skill. Remember, every child is different, so be prepared for setbacks and celebrate the successes along the way! You’re one step closer to a positive potty training experience!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Mechling is a mom of 4, a behavior analyst, and a Potty Training Expert. Since 2010, Sarah has provided direct support to families of all needs as they navigate various milestones, with her favorite one being potty training! Sarah’s potty training approach utilizes evidence-based strategies while making them practical to implement for busy parents. Sarah believes that all parents and children deserve to have a positive potty training experience. For any of your potty training questions, please reach out to Sarah Mechling of Tinkle and Toot at hello@tinkleandtoot.com, or visit her website: www.tinkleandtoot.com

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