Common Potty Training Problems and How to Solve Them

Reality check: Potty training toddlers isn’t easy. It seems like there’s always some so-called expert out there who says it’s easy and that you should be able to go from diapers to 100-percent potty trained in 24 hours. Here in the real world, we know that the vast majority of parents face setbacks during potty training.

If you’re wondering how to start potty training and how to deal with common problems, this guide is for you.

Your child doesn’t want to go to the potty

It’s possible that, if your child is resisting using the toilet, they’re not ready yet. The signs that children are ready include interest in using the potty, hiding from you when they take a bowel movement and telling you that they need their diaper changed. Potty training at the right time varies from child to child, so stay attuned to what you think is best for your particular situation.

Get them ready

Preparing your child for potty training can make it a more positive experience for them—and a less painful one for you. There are plenty of children’s books out there that will get them engaged with using the toilet. You can also sing potty training songs. A potty training doll is another popular tool—children love pretending that their dolls are going potty.

Get rid of all the diapers

Once you’ve committed to potty training your child, you want to stick to it. This means that it’s time to ditch the diapers in most instances. You may want to keep using one overnight for a while, but during the day, stick with underwear—even though it may be rough at first because…

There will be accidents

Accept this now: Your child will have accidents. They’re bound to happen during potty training. The best thing you can do is to treat them lightly and keep your cool. If you punish or scold your child, it will only backfire and make potty training longer. Children who are learning to use the potty are having accidents because they don’t understand the process yet. Give it time, and if a few weeks go by and they’re still really struggling, they may not be ready.

Nighttime training

Your child may do fine during the day but wet the bed at night. Remember that this is a normal part of the process and will likely take longer. Start by having your child go to the bathroom immediately before bed. You may also need to wake them up in the middle of the night to use the toilet.

Potty training toddlers is a challenge, but eventually your little one will get the hang of it. If you’re looking for a day care, then turn to Kids Kingdom Early Learning Center. We are the premier, Biblically-based early childhood learning center in the region. We’re proud to teach the youngest minds skills that last a lifetime. Contact us now to learn more about how we can help your child learn and grow!