Potty Training-
Common Problems

Rush Rush Rush - If you are in a hurry to train your child due to school starting or some other deadline, it won't work. Potty training has to occur when both you and your child are ready and cannot be rushed. If the preschool or daycare won't allow diapers, choose one that will.

Scared of the Toilet - Some children are afraid of the toilet. This can occur because he fears he might fall in, fall off such a high seat, or even feel a sense of loss when part of him is flushed. Try a child's sized potty seat for the floor, rather than using the grown up toilet with an adapter. Your child will feel a sense of balance when he can plant his feet firmly on the floor. You may also want to flush after your child has left the bathroom. Wail until naptime or a time when he is distracted elsewhere before flushing the toilet. Remember not to pressure your child.

Attached to Diapers - Some children get a sense of security from diapers and the attention they get while being changed. Be sure to provide extra one on one time to replace that playtime on the changing table.

Backsliding - Your child has been potty trained for some time and suddenly begins having accidents. This can occur due to several reasons. Is there a new baby in the house? For some children this competition for attention causes regression to babyhood for the older child. Has something changed for example a divorce? Adjusting to new situations and the loss of a parent can also cause children to backslide. And finally, is there something physically wrong with my child? If everything seems to be the same in your child's life, don't discount the fact that there may be a physical problem causing his loss of bowel or bladder control. Perhaps your child has a bladder or urinary tract infection, Diarrhea or Constipation or Encopresis (soiling with constipation). Each of these conditions may be the culprit. Consult your pediatrician should your child suddenly appear to backslide with regard to using the potty.

Power Trip - For some children, using the potty or rather NOT using the potty is a powerful means of conveying a message. In some cases, the child will sit on the potty and then as soon as the diaper is on they will find a quiet place and go in the diaper. Some children will find a corner and go there rather than the bathroom. Much of the time, the child is saying, "Hey, I will tell YOU when I'm ready. " This is a losing battle. One you cannot win. Give up the fight. Try again in a couple of months.