How do we end this conflict?

Has potty training turned into a battle filled with arguments and tantrums? If so, take a step back and take a break.

The most important thing is that your child continues to have regular bowel movements and urinate normally and doesn’t stop. Daily stress or arguments are unpleasant and unnecessary. Sometimes we ask too much of our children and expect them to progress too quickly. Or we ask them all day long if they need to go to the bathroom, just to prevent accidents. Stop the training and take a step back.

Are you still in stage 1, 2, or 3? If so, try putting the diaper back on a little more often or for longer periods. That way, you won’t have to spend the whole day worrying about accidents.

Are you on step 4? Even then, you can take a step back and decide to put the diaper back on for a little while. That means you’ll go back to step 3. That’s okay. It’s more important to get through this. Maybe you can start again with some jokes or a little dance in a few days.

Leave the potty where it is and try to let your child take the lead a little more. For example, say, “The potty is right here. You can sit on it, but you don’t have to.”

Try again in a few days. Or in 1 or 2 weeks. Go at your child’s pace and don’t rush things. Make sure to have plenty of fun moments together, like reading a book together. Give them praise for trying.

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