Chances are, you’ll run into a few potty training problems and setbacks while trying to teach your toddler.

You have to understand potty training is sometimes scary for children; they’re afraid of that big monster with water in it that makes that horrible “gobbling up” noise.

To get rid of your toddler’s fear of the toilet, make it a habit to take him or her to the toilet with you while you need to relieve yourself.  Explain in your own words that it’s a necessity. and that they needn’t be afraid. 

Your toddler will eventually become comfortable with trips to the potty.  If he or she still offers resistance, distract them with a book or favorite toy.

Here’s a little game that works wonders and warms up your toddler to the whole potty training experience; put a little paper in the toilet, flush it, and say,”Bye-bye, Mr. Toilet Paper.”  Repeat a handful of times every day until your toddler joins in by saying the same thing.  Soon, your toddler will see the playful and non-threatening side of Mr. Toilet! 

Another one of the most common potty training problems is potty training regression.  After you thought you made so much progress, your toddler doesn’t want to potty train anymore and they start having accidents while wearing their cloth training pants.

Sometimes this happens due to something stressful going on in their lives such as switching day cares, new teachers, or anything fairly disruptive.  Other times constipation can be what’s holding them back. 

When a toddler suffers from constipation while potty training, it can be a definite setback.  As difficult as it is sometimes, try to make sure your toddler is consuming enough fiber in their diet so you can avoid this altogether.

While potty training problems can surface at any time, the absolute best thing you can do is to trust your own instincts, utilize good potty training information and find your own way to deal with your toddler.  After all, no one knows your toddler better than you!