Potty Training Problems – The Resistant Toddler
It’s hard enough to get your toddler to begin potty training so what can you do once you start to make progress and all of a sudden he or she begins to offer resistance?
A resistant toddler is one of the most common potty training problems a parent can face, and before you throw in the towel and give up, use these proven techniques to help your toddler become unstuck:
1. Understand it is normal for a potty training toddler to have an occasional setback while potty training.
2. Ask yourself if any type of stressful change has occurred in your toddler’s life such as starting a new day care, moving to new home, the birth of a sibling, etc.
Changes in a toddler’s life can disrupt their routine and retard their progress; just be patient, and if you need to back off training for a few short days, then do so. Continue telling them they’re going to start “going potty” in the bathroom in next few days. This will remind them of their mission to continue, and if they know what’s coming in advance, it will be easier for them to resume their potty training.
3. Maintaining your composure is the biggest key when dealing with most potty training problems and especially, toddler’s resistance. If they see their actions affect you negatively they will continue that same behavior to get attention and a reaction from you.
So stay the course, keep encouraging your toddler, celebrate their potty training accomplishments when they do well, and reassure and support them when they don’t. If you follow these key points, your toddler won’t resist much longer!