Potty Training Regression
More common than you may think
Around 80% of parents report toilet training regression and setbacks when potty training their toddlers. Such a high percentage indicates that it is a very common problem, and may in fact be considered so high that it raises the question of whether this is just a normal part of the potty training journey.
Causes of regression
1. Events around them – events such as a new sibling, family vacation, house move, parental divorce can be stressful and unsettling for small children
2. Impatience of trainer – some parents have unrealistic expectations of the length of time it takes for their child to become clean and dry. It is recommended that you go back to the signs of readiness to ensure that your child was in fact ready to begin.
3. Inconsistency in daily routine – many parents and carers set aside a fixed period of time in which to complete potty training. During this time they are consistent, however over time consistency slips.
4. Different approach at daycare – if day care is using a different approach to what is being used at home; your toddler may be confused.
5. Illness – sickness can cause a setback.
6. Urine infection – urine infections can be very painful. Take your child to the doctor if you suspect they have a urine infection.
7. Constipation
8. Distractions – most small children get very involved in play. Sometimes they are so distracted that they do not react quickly enough to their need to ‘go’.
9. Boredom – some children get bored with the potty training process. Perhaps results are not coming quickly enough, or they are not motivated enough, so they lose interest.
10. Loss of confidence – negative reactions from people around them to normal accidents can cause your toddler to lose confidence in themselves
11. Reliance on your reminders – some toddlers become overly dependent on reminders to go to the toilet. Failure to progressively hand over responsibility for their own toileting can leave your child relying on the reminders.
Tips for combating regression
1. Relax – check the signs of readiness again. Is your toddler truly ready, or is it better to wait another month and start again? Anxiety and stress will only make the situation worse. Do not get angry – remember that 80% of parents go through the same problem. Most children are doing their very best…and they will get there with your encouragement and understanding.
2. Motivation – if rewards and star charts worked initially, consider reintroducing these motivational aids.
3. Consistency – ensure that there is a consistent approach to potty training in the home and at daycare.
4. Teach – potty training is a journey and requires that you progressively hand over more and more responsibility to your child. Teaching them to respond to their own signals rather than relying on reminders is part of that process.
When to consult the Doctor
It is important to contact your doctor if any of the following apply to your child:
1. No bowel movement in 4 days
2. Blood in urine or stool
3. Fever, nausea, vomiting
4. Not urinating every 2-3 hours
5. Difficulty starting stream
6. Foul smell to urine
7. Bloated abdomen
8. Underwear frequently smeared with stool, not related to ineffective wiping
9. Sudden regression for no apparent reason
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