Dealing With Potty Problems

Four Common Potty Training Problems & What to Do About Them

You already know that potty training can be a messy affair. And that’s even if everything goes according to plan. But if it doesn’t then you are in for even more trouble. In this article, you will learn about the various potty training problems you and your child will encounter during this period and the ways to deal with them.

Potty Training Problem No. 1: Your baby refuses to use the toilet

There are many reasons why your little one would refuse to use the toilet during this time. One of the most common here is because he is afraid of the thing. This is not surprising, as potty training is going to be an entirely new experience to him. As he is not yet accustomed to using it, he might also think the toilet would suck him to it.

Another reason for the hesitation is that he might not be yet willing to trade his diapers. Aside from making it “easy” for him to pee and do bowel movements, nappies can also serve as a sort of security blanket.

To lessen your child’s hesitation about using the potty or toilet, you have to make him comfortable about it. One trick you can do is tell him that the potty is his. Adding personal touches like writing his name on it or putting stickers also helps in convincing him.

As for his hesitation about using the big toilet, you can demonstrate that it is safe by disposing of a soiled diaper and letting him flush it himself. This will convince him that there is nothing to worry about.

It is also important that you don’t force him into training. Wait and observe for a few more weeks to see additional signs of willingness to train. By that time, reintroducing the potty to him would be a lot easier.

Potty Training Problem No. 2: Your child says no when being told to use the toilet

This is closely related to the first problem. In this one, however, he has discovered that saying no can be used to exert her influence. This, in essence, has turned your little one’s potty training sessions into a power struggle between him and you.

Here, your best course of action is to simply back off a bit and let him feel like he is in charge of the whole session. Note that this isn’t you admitting defeat. Rather, it would help her calm down and eventually become more open to letting you take command again later.

It is also important that you do not nag him about potty training. Instead, simply put the potty in an accessible location. You can also let your little one run around without his pants or shorts off so that he can use the potty the moment he needs to.

Potty Training Problem No. 3: Your child starts having accidents again after being toilet trained

This one can make parents fret, especially when they think that that their young ones should already be long past the whole stage. Don’t make this mistake. Remember that, even if your child has already completed the training, he is still adjusting to the new experience and might be wanting the comforts of something more familiar, diapers.

Instead of scolding him, talk to him in a relaxed manner. Assure him that you are angry for what happened and that he can try again. You can also remind him in a soft tone that he is already a big kid now and should be able to do it by himself.

When reteaching him how to use the toilet, do not use candies as rewards, as it can give him the wrong impression and trigger temper tantrums. Instead, you can use colorful stickers to mark his progress on a calendar or chart. On the other hand, if he wishes to use diapers again, give in and let him do so until he finally expresses the desire to use the toilet again.

Potty Training Problem No. 4: Your child exhibits peculiar habits when going to the toilet

One peculiar habit that you will sometimes notice with your kid is that he wants to go to the potty with only one person. Often, that person is the one that most often accompany him during potty training (e.g. you). This is just normal, but you can get your little one accustomed to going to the toilet alone by gradually excising yourself from the process, first by simply waiting outside the door when he does it, and eventually to just looking out for him as he goes to the bathroom alone.

Another particular behavior you have to watch out for is of him trying to play with his stool or urine. This one comes from his natural curiosity about what is happening with his body. As always, don’t go crazy about it and simply tell him that his excrement is not something that you should play with.

Next: we will take a look at training your baby’s personal hygiene.