Potty Training Regression

Potty training regression can be worrying and frustrating for parents so firsly be aware that it is quite common and there are simple ways for you to deal with it. Potty training toddlers can come in fits and starts and it is not always a smooth path.

Why potty trainig regression happens
Toddlers have a lot on their plate: wanting more independence, sleeping or not sleeping, changing their naps, teething, starting nursery, new siblings, separating from their parents more, and more. It's a time when they can easily become overwhelmed and scared of the changes that are naturally occuring and at the same time they want to feel secure in all the changes around them.

If your toddler begins potty training and it's going well and then something happens to upset their balance, potty training can be one of the new developments to fall. Because potty training is usually a gradual process it will take a long time for your toddler to feel confident in using the potty without having accidents.

Until he is really confident and until this new skill is mastered any upsets in the normal routine can cause potty training regression - your toddler starts having more accidents instead of less, refuses to use the potty and goes backwards in his progress.

Firstly keep cool, keep calm and take the pressure off. Being angry will make the matter worse. Potty training regression may leave you feeling disappointed which is understandable but try not to show this to your toddler.

He needs your reassurance that at whatever stage he is at he is okay with whatever is right for him. In this way he will more quickly gain back his confidence and sooner want to try again.

Secondly, something is upsetting your toddler and you need to try and find out what it is. The problem could be obvious - a house move, a new sibling, family conflict, something outward that you can see. Or it could be something less obvious - perhaps your toddler is suddenly afraid of what potty training means - a scare of growing up, fear of losing a part of himself in his wee and BM (bowel movements).

Has he been looked after by someone else who had different ideas of toddler potty training? Try and gently talk to your toddler to find out what he is upset about and if you can, resolve the problem and reassure your toddler.

If your toddler wants to go back into nappies or pull-ups then let him - there is no point forcing him to try and use the potty if he is not ready. He needs to regain his confidence and feel really secure before trying again. He'll start again in his own time and often the older he is the quicker it is to learn the skills required to use the potty and/or toilet.

Often parents are pressurized into potty training by other parents or well-meaning family members. Often they will talk to you about it in your child's hearing. If they are disapproving then be absolutely confident in telling them that it's not a problem and it'll happen when the time is right.

If your child hears others talking about his lack of toilet skills and then hears you agreeing with them, then he won't feel good. Let your toddler hear your support of him and your belief in him and see your reassuring smiles. Then he will feel good!

Potty training regression is common and can be frustrating. But do not worry, simply let your toddler go back to the stage where he feels happy and confident, take a complete break from it, and then either at your toddler's initiation or from a very gentle suggestion from you some time later, try very gently again.

There's a right time for everything - toddler potty training included!