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!

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!