Potty training problems can be incredibly frustrating for parents to deal with.
At times, it can feel like your child is intentionally trying to taunt you or push your buttons. This can make it difficult to be patient or deal with the problem productively, rather than reacting with pure emotion.
Here is an overview of some of the most common potty training problems, parents and children often face together.
Accidents
Frequent accidents are to be expected in the first days and weeks of potty training, but should taper off until they are very infrequent. If it’s been several weeks and your child is still having daily accidents, it’s time to take a closer look to see what might be causing the problem.
Sometimes, physical problems such as urinary tract infections, balantis (an inflammation of the penis), constipation or other gastrointestinal problems can cause frequent accidents. Observe your child carefully for signs of discomfort or indications of infection such as redness, swelling, unusual discharge or itching. Consult with your pediatrician immediately to find the appropriate treatment.
More commonly accidents indicate that the potty training routine needs to be refined and/or parents need to be more consistent with how they deal with accidents and potty training. Constant switching between pull-ups and underwear (besides putting them on only for sleep) can confuse children and leave them unsure about their parents expectations.
Deal with accidents in a calm, matter of fact manner while still being firm about your expectations. Reinforce that your shared goal is to poop and pee in the potty all of the time so that they can stay clean and comfortable in their big kid underpants.
Regression
Regression is another very common potty training problem. It happens most often when there is some change in the child’s life that either causes them to put using the potty on the back-burner or to act out by having accidents on purpose such as leaving the Fisher Price high chair for the brand new booster seat, either to get attention or as a way of expressing their distress.
In most cases potty training regression will self correct as the child gets used to the new situation as long as parents are consistent in handling the problem. Be calm, but emphasize that the goal is to stop having accidents.
Look for opportunities to give your child positive attention and reward them for acting in appropriate ways. Show them that they don’t need to have accidents to get your attention!
Fear of Public Toilets
Don’t be alarmed if your child is afraid of public toilets as this is a common potty training problem and no cause for worry unless it’s part of a bigger overall pattern of anxiety and fear that touches many aspects of your child’s life.
Many public toilets are much louder than the ones at home and what’s worse, they can flush themselves without warning! All of the tile and metal surfaces means lots of echos and adults are always saying “Don’t touch that, it’s germy!” when they are inside.
Be patient with your child and offer them plenty of reassurance as you coax them to try to use a public toilet for the first time. Bringing a toilet seat insert can help your child feel more secure, have them practice using it at home first so that they feel safe with it. Give your child a small incentive to use the potty such as being able to spend all day at the zoo or getting an ice cream afterward.
It might be necessary to carry a small portable potty in your car until your child is over his or her fears so that you’ll have a safe place to go while out and about. You can also try having them use the potty someplace that feels more familiar to them such as at an older sibling’s school or Church before venturing out to strange potties in stores and restaurants.
All potty training problems can eventually be solved if you are patient, consistent, keep a positive attitude and use a bit of creativity. Remember, barring a disability, nobody goes to college wearing a diaper!
At times, it can feel like your child is intentionally trying to taunt you or push your buttons. This can make it difficult to be patient or deal with the problem productively, rather than reacting with pure emotion.
Here is an overview of some of the most common potty training problems, parents and children often face together.
Accidents
Frequent accidents are to be expected in the first days and weeks of potty training, but should taper off until they are very infrequent. If it’s been several weeks and your child is still having daily accidents, it’s time to take a closer look to see what might be causing the problem.
Sometimes, physical problems such as urinary tract infections, balantis (an inflammation of the penis), constipation or other gastrointestinal problems can cause frequent accidents. Observe your child carefully for signs of discomfort or indications of infection such as redness, swelling, unusual discharge or itching. Consult with your pediatrician immediately to find the appropriate treatment.
More commonly accidents indicate that the potty training routine needs to be refined and/or parents need to be more consistent with how they deal with accidents and potty training. Constant switching between pull-ups and underwear (besides putting them on only for sleep) can confuse children and leave them unsure about their parents expectations.
Deal with accidents in a calm, matter of fact manner while still being firm about your expectations. Reinforce that your shared goal is to poop and pee in the potty all of the time so that they can stay clean and comfortable in their big kid underpants.
Regression
Regression is another very common potty training problem. It happens most often when there is some change in the child’s life that either causes them to put using the potty on the back-burner or to act out by having accidents on purpose such as leaving the Fisher Price high chair for the brand new booster seat, either to get attention or as a way of expressing their distress.
In most cases potty training regression will self correct as the child gets used to the new situation as long as parents are consistent in handling the problem. Be calm, but emphasize that the goal is to stop having accidents.
Look for opportunities to give your child positive attention and reward them for acting in appropriate ways. Show them that they don’t need to have accidents to get your attention!
Fear of Public Toilets
Don’t be alarmed if your child is afraid of public toilets as this is a common potty training problem and no cause for worry unless it’s part of a bigger overall pattern of anxiety and fear that touches many aspects of your child’s life.
Many public toilets are much louder than the ones at home and what’s worse, they can flush themselves without warning! All of the tile and metal surfaces means lots of echos and adults are always saying “Don’t touch that, it’s germy!” when they are inside.
Be patient with your child and offer them plenty of reassurance as you coax them to try to use a public toilet for the first time. Bringing a toilet seat insert can help your child feel more secure, have them practice using it at home first so that they feel safe with it. Give your child a small incentive to use the potty such as being able to spend all day at the zoo or getting an ice cream afterward.
It might be necessary to carry a small portable potty in your car until your child is over his or her fears so that you’ll have a safe place to go while out and about. You can also try having them use the potty someplace that feels more familiar to them such as at an older sibling’s school or Church before venturing out to strange potties in stores and restaurants.
All potty training problems can eventually be solved if you are patient, consistent, keep a positive attitude and use a bit of creativity. Remember, barring a disability, nobody goes to college wearing a diaper!