Potty training regression is more common than you think. It can also be a frustrating part of parenting. Whether you’re a seasoned mom with successful potty training methods, or you just finished potty training your first toddler, regression is always a possibility. Here are some tips and ideas to help get your child back on track with potty training.
How to Handle Potty Training Regression
1. Be patient and encouraging.
Your child just went through a major transition in life (learning to use the potty), and now she’s backsliding. Before you get to the root of the problem, it’s important to be gentle and to not let any disappointment show. When she has an accident, stay positive and use it as an opportunity to gently remind her about the toilet.
It’s also important to go easy on yourself. As parents we often take on ideas about what our kids should or shouldn’t be doing and see their progress as reflections of our own parenting. You are not alone in feeling discouraged and befuddled by your child’s regression.
2. Determine whether or not it is true regression.
A newly potty-trained toddler can have several accidents throughout the week and not be “regressing.” Another thing to consider if there are multiple accidents is that your child isn’t totally potty trained. Maybe you thought you were done with this particular lesson, but your child may still be in need of teaching. No matter how “successful” your method, your child is still learning and will have occasional accidents. Actual regression is demonstrated by recurring weeks of consistent accidents after going for several weeks without any accidents.
3. Find out why your child is regressing.
If your child is truly potty trained there will be a reason why he or she is reverting back to old behaviors. The first thing to determine is whether or not the regression is a symptom of a larger medical problem, so be sure to start by talking with your pediatrician.
After ruling out any possible medical causes, it’s time to look at emotional and psychological triggers for regression.
Some common causes of regression include:
- A sudden change in daily routine
- New schools, teachers, or babysitters.
- A pregnant mom, or a new baby coming home.
- Experiencing constipation or diarrhea.
- A lack of attention.
4. Validate them.
Once you have figured out the cause for their regression, validate your child’s feelings by acknowledging and talking about them.
Empathize with them about their confusion, disappointment, and fear. Remember that this is a new season for them and they count on you to get them through it. Your child needs to know that even if they can’t quite express their frustration, you understand and hear them.
5. Enlist their help in making a new plan.
It’s a good idea to reignite their interest by involving them in the new potty-training plan. Find out what they would like for a reward whether it’s a sticker chart, extra stories at bedtime, or a few jellybeans every time they go in the potty. Our Potty Training Toolkit has a great sticker reward system to help get your little one back on track.
Regression is disappointing, but it is not failure. Once you can pinpoint why regression is happening you have half the problem solved!
Potty Training Doesn’t Have to Stink!
If you’re potty training your child, Kandoo is here to help. Follow the three steps below to receive all of the potty training support we have to offer.
1. Get Potty Training Resources
Visit Kandookids.com/PottyTraining for hacks and support on your potty training journey. From the very basics to how to handle potty training regressions, poop problems and wiping, we’ve got answers to your questions.
2. Sign up for our Potty Training Program
Need a little more help and support? Sign up for our FREE potty program. It’s full of step-by-step advice to walk you through the entire potty training process – from the first time you introduce the potty to how to throw a potty training party to celebrate your success at the end.
Sign up, and you’ll receive the most effective hacks on potty training including a step-by-step plan of action on when to start, supplies to buy, how to keep it silly, how to handle set backs and more! Click here to join now.
3. Stock up on Supplies – like Kandoo Flushable Wipes
Kandoo Flushable Cleansing Wipes clean up to 30% better than toilet paper. The wipes pop up with the push of a button, making them perfect for little hands. Added bonus? No more using too much (or too little) toilet paper.
Help your little one get a clean wipe every time with the Kandoo Potty Time Pack. From Kandoo Flushable Wipes to Kandoo BRIGHTFOAM® Hand soap – and even a potty training superhero cape – the Potty Time Pack has everything you need for potty training success.
If your child likes to be independent, the Kandoo Potty Time Pack can help. Click here to purchase it now with free shipping!
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