Most parents prefer to get potty training over with as soon as possible and for some, it’s an easy transition. For others, not so much. The questions like “were they really ready” or “what am I doing wrong “ start to consume us. 

Truth is, each child’s potty training journey is different. It’s easy to get swept up in comparing our children’s learning styles and habits with siblings or peers, but the reality is that we have to be patient, encouraging and consistent. 

Read about CHOOSING THE RIGHT POTTY TRAINING METHOD by Sophisticated Standards

Even if the start of potty training was smooth, there may be hiccups along the way and it’s up to us as the parents to help our little ones navigate the process. 

HOW TO DEAL WITH POTTY TRAINING PROBLEMS

It's not uncommon for a child who has been successfully using the potty for a few days to say they want to go back to diapers. To avoid a power struggle or a situation where your child actually starts a pattern of withholding bowel movements, which can lead to constipation, you might agree to a brief break. But breaks can lead to frustration and often forcing the entire process to start over. Instead, consider what the problem really is and learn how to overcome it.

1. My child is resistant to going on the potty: Resistance may mean that it's not the right time to start potty training. If your child has no desire to use the potty, chances are they’re just not ready. Check out Let’s Talk POTTY TRAINING for common signs of readiness and tips on successful training.

2. My child has consistent accidents: Accidents are bound to happen, it’s part of the learning process with potty training. When they do, treat them lightly and try not to get upset. Punishment and scolding will often make children feel bad about the subject and may make toilet training take longer. If a few more weeks go by and your child still isn't making it to the potty, consider adjusting the times to their normal bathroom schedule.

3. My child shows the signs of being ready but has no interest in using the toilet: The signs that they are ready are used to help parents know when they are capable of learning the process. However, that doesn’t mean they are always emotionally ready to make the change. Emotions are a powerful tool and if the child has no interest in trying, consider making the process a fun one with games or rewards. Talk to them and get them excited about all the things they can do like wearing big boy/girl underwear. 

5. My child is worried about playing vs. running to the bathroom: Does the child know when they need to potty but is too busy playing to stop and make a run for it? This is very common. Consider following their normal schedule by setting timers or temporarily relocate their playing experience near a bathroom for easy access.

6. My son insists on sitting down to urinate: The majority of boys want to sit while learning to go in the potty, and quite frankly, it’s the better way to start their training. Let your son urinate sitting down and, after he has mastered bladder control, explain to him that boys go potty standing up. It’s highly likely that he will pick this up on his own if he watches his father.

7. My child gets upset when they see their stools flushed away: Some children believe that their wastes are part of their bodies, so this may be frightening and hard for them to understand. Try explaining the purpose of body waste and the body's need to eliminate it. Acknowledge the fear, no matter how outrageous it seems and get them excited about the next time they have to poop!

8. My child is afraid of falling or being sucked into the toilet: Many children fear being sucked into the toilet if it's flushed while they're sitting on it. To give them a feeling of control, let the child flush pieces of toilet paper, even if you’re the one going to the bathroom. This will lessen the fear of the sound of rushing water and the sight of things disappearing. Also, try using a stand-alone potty chair, or a potty seat that goes on top of your regular toilet bowl.

9. My child has a bowel movement or urinates right after being taken off the toilet: While this can be frustrating, it may happen frequently early in the potty training process. It might take time for the child to learn how to relax the muscles that control the bowel and bladder. If this happens a lot, talk to them about any fears they may have about the toilet and encourage them to watch peers using the bathroom.

10. My child wants diapers for bowel movements and hides while pooping: This indicates that your child is physically but not yet emotionally ready to be potty trained. Instead of considering this a failure, praise your child for recognizing the bowel signals. Encourage them to have the bowel movements in the bathroom, even while wearing a diaper, and remind them if they practice going in the potty next time, they could receive a small treat (like Smarties, M&M’s, etc).

11. My child continues to urinate while sleeping: Like most children, your own toddler probably will take a little longer to complete nap-time and nighttime toilet training. Guide your toddler to use the potty immediately before going to bed and as soon as they wake up. Tell them that if they wake up in the middle of the night and need to use the toilet, they can either go by themselves or call for you for help. Make it routine to use the bathroom before bedtime and also limit the amount of liquids they are consuming directly after.

12. My child only goes potty with one particular person: It's normal for a child to depend on one person in the early stages of training. If the child will only go potty with you, gradually withdraw yourself from the process. Offer to help the child get undressed or walk the child to the bathroom, but wait outside the door. Try introducing a reward system in which they earn a sticker or small potty treat every time they go potty independently, too.

13. My child is regressing back to their diaper days: Anything that causes a child stress may motivate them to return to a previous level of development, particularly if the change is recent. Stressors include, but are not limited to, an illness in the child or a relative, a new baby, a change from crib to bed, or a move to a new house. Potty training regression might also be caused by health issues (such as constipation) or a fear of the potty. It's also possible your child wasn't really potty trained in the first place. The regression should pass with time and lots of communication, but don’t give up - you’ve got this!

It’s important to know that potty training rarely happens without a hitch. Enjoy your child being little and revel in their admiration as you teach them something new. Have patience, open communication and provide lots of praise for even the smallest of achievements. 

For the full list of potty training tips and tricks, read our TIPS FOR MAKING POTTY TRAINING A SUCCESS blog

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