Potty Training Problems

Immaturity

One of the most common potty training problems really has more to do with the parent than it does the child. Many parents are so eager to have their little ones begin potty training that they begin the process too early. They may mistake certain signs as signals of readiness. Most children go through potty training somewhere between eighteen and thirty-six months. The average age that a child will be potty trained is around two and a half years, and girls generally potty train easier than boys.

The Problem

If you have begun training your child, she may successfully use the potty for a period of days and even weeks. All of the sudden, however, she refuses to use the potty anymore. If she is very young, this could basically be due to her immaturity.

The Solution

To solve this problem, you really need to stop the potty training altogether for a few weeks or even months. She may have only used the potty for a short period of time to please you. Once the novelty of it wore off, she decided it wasn't worth her time and energy. This really means that she wasn't ready to begin potty training in the first place. After you wait for a few weeks, begin the process again. This time may have a different ending for you both!

Changes

Many times, children may begin to use the potty quite willingly only to regress or refuse to use the potty at all.

The Problem

If your child has suddenly begun to refuse to use his potty, take a look at what is going on in your life. Are there any drastic changes, such as a death in the family, a divorce, or a new baby that have occurred? If so, this could be the reason that your toddler is resisting the potty.

The Solution

First, you should understand that regression isn't uncommon. If there are extenuating circumstances or changes in your child's life that may be upsetting to him, you will need to show extra patience and understanding. Don't try to force him to use the potty during this time of change. Give him a chance to adjust to the new circumstances in his life, and once some time has gone by, you can begin potty training your child again. Hopefully, he will easily pick up where he left off!

Fear

Parents need to understand that using the potty and all that this might entail can be a scary process for a little one.

The Problem

Your child refuses to use the potty or even go into the bathroom because she is afraid of the toilet. This could be because of the flushing sound, the disappearance of the water along with the waste, or any other number of reasons that your toddler can't even put into words.

The Solution

If your child appears to be frightened of the whole potty process, you might want to move the potty out of the bathroom altogether for a while. You could place it in her room or the living area of your house. Let her get use to seeing it and encourage her to sit on it even if she doesn't actually use it. When she does, praise her!

Once she has grown accustomed to seeing the potty and even using it in another room, go ahead and place it right outside of the bathroom. Leave it there for several days and encourage her to use it. After she appears to be comfortable with this situation, move the potty into the bathroom. Encourage her to use it, but don't empty the contents of the potty into the toilet until she has left the room the first few times. Eventually, you should be able to dump the contents of the potty into the toilet, and later let your child flush the potty by herself.

Inconsistency

A big problem for many babies who are learning to use the potty is simply lack of consistency.

The Problem

Inconsistency may be for a variety of reasons. Your child may have several care givers who look after him during the week. You may have tried to begin potty training during a hectic time in both yours and his life. Either way, inconsistency can make your child resistant to potty training.

The Solution

If there are several different people taking care of your child during the week, you will have to enlist the help of everyone involved to find success in potty training. This means that you might want to give everyone a schedule to follow, along with a chart for each caregiver to make notes on and document your child's potty training progress. You should stress the importance of consistency and routine to each caregiver, and if you are having a problem with one or more caregivers following your instructions, you might want to rethink your child care situation.

If the inconsistency is simply due to a busy time in your life, stop trying to potty train during this period, and begin later when things have calmed down somewhat.a

Power Struggle

Some children simply use the battle over the potty as a battle of wills.

The Problem

Toddlers learn at a young age about power. After all, the "terrible twos" is usually about a toddler expressing her independence. This may carry over into potty training. Your child may simply refuse to use the potty because she can!

The Solution

You will need a vast supply of patience when dealing with a stubborn toddler who refuses to use the potty. Don't let her realize that she does have the power to refuse to be potty trained. With many children, the more you fight them, the more stubborn they become. Instead, look for positive ways to encourage potty use. You can try a reward system using stickers or other items. Once your child has earned so many stickers, she may be given a small gift, treat, or privilege, such as bubbles, ice cream cone, or a trip to the amusement park. Don't punish her when she refuses to use the potty, and don't make a big deal out of it. Instead, praise her when she does, and point out how other children that she knows are using the potty, too. Emphasize all of the fun things she'll be able to do because she is potty trained.

Potty Training Problems Due to Medical Reasons

Finally, there may be health reasons that deter your child from using the potty.

The Problem

Your child may have developed a urinary tract infection, constipation, or other medical problem.

The Solution

If you suspect that a medical problem may be the cause for her refusal to use the potty, contact your pediatrician.