Potty training is an exciting time for toddlers. They are slowing becoming more independent and learning how to take care of their own needs. Sometimes, however, when a parent decides it is time to potty train, the toddler fights against it. There are many reasons why a toddler rejects being potty trained, but all of them (with the exception of a developmental disorder) can be overcome with time.
Stress in the Family
Stress can affect toddlers in unexpected ways. It is not uncommon for potty trained toddlers to regress if they experience sudden stress such as a divorce or a death in the family. In situations like this, it is generally best to allow the toddler to deal with his emotions without the additional pressure of dealing with potty training. Most toddlers will retrain easily after the stress has been dealt with.
Stress can come in the form of a happy event as well. The birth of a baby, while exciting, is often stressful to toddlers who may be unsure how their lives will change as a result of the new addition. Toddlers will often regress in an effort to get attention or in order to act like the baby. This situation will also resolve itself over time. Try and limit the negative attention that your toddler receives and give potty training another shot after your toddler has adjusted to the new baby.
Medical Concerns
A change in your toddler’s health can affect potty training. An illness, especially one that involves diarrhea, makes potty training impossible and may interrupt any success in potty training that your toddler had before the illness. Focus on your toddler’s health and return to potty training only after your toddler has completely recovered.
Bladder infections can cause frequent urination and will make it difficult for your toddler to have much success with potty training. If your toddler has recurrent bladder infections, you may want to consult with a pediatrician.
Constipation can make it difficult and painful for your toddler to have a bowel movement. Even a short period of constipation can make your toddler afraid to use the potty. Feed your toddler a diet rich in fiber and be sure that he drinks plenty of water. If your toddler suffers from chronic constipation you may want to consult a physician and find a solution to the problem before attempting to potty train your toddler.
Developmental Concerns
It is essential for potty training success that your toddler is developmentally ready to begin toilet training. Watch carefully for signs that your toddler is ready to be potty trained before introducing the potty for the first time. Potty training too early can cause a lot of stress for your toddler and will ultimately limit the success that your toddler will have. Your toddler must be emotional and physically ready to potty train. If your toddler does not have the bladder control needed to potty train, any potty training effort is doomed for failure.
Potty training is a difficult journey but one that is very rewarding in the end. If done with patience, potty training can be a wonderful bonding experience for parent and child.
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