Potty training is different for each child. Some are eager to use the "big kid" toilet and learn easily; others are reluctant and take more time. While patience is essential during potty training, there are common potty training problems that, once identified, can be resolved. Learn how to spot the problems and pick up a few potty training tips to help get your child using the toilet.
Unable to Recognize Need to Use Potty
Some children are able to discern when they are going to have a bowel movement, but not that they need to urinate so they pee themselves. This is fairly common and should pass within a few months, as your child learns to recognize each urge. Continue with potty training keeping in mind that your child may have a few accidents.
Reluctance to Use the Potty
Maybe your child isn't ready for potty training. Think about what prompted you to begin potty training. Was your toddler showing signs of wanting to use the toilet? Or were you ready to be done with diapers? Potty training can't be forced, so if your child isn't ready, you'll have to hold off.
If your child showed the signs of being ready for potty training, but has been having difficulties, find out if there are any fears associated with potty training causing the reluctance. Is your child afraid of falling into the toilet? Does your child dislike the flushing sound? Perhaps he's overwhelmed by the process of going to the bathroom, in which case breaking it down into smaller steps may help.
Relapsing
Your child was using the potty, but now she's having accidents again. Have there been any major changes at home? Life-altering events like a new baby, a divorce or moving can cause a child to regress, leading to more accidents. The best way to handle this is to keep training. Try to keep your child's life as normal as possible, and don't go back to using diapers. You want to encourage your little one to move forward.
If there haven't been any dramatic changes at home, make sure your child doesn't have a medical problem. Look for unusually colored urine, a lack of bowel movements for several days, or a child in pain. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of those symptoms. Once any medical issues have been taken care of, you should be okay to return to potty training.
Playing with Poop
Poop is fascinating to kids, but that doesn't mean you want them to explore it with their own two hands. Explain that poop is not something to play with-this simple message should get the point across. Avoid making your child ashamed of what comes out of his or her bottom.
Nighttime Accidents
It takes most kids longer to learn nap and nighttime potty training. Try to get your toddler to use the bathroom right before bed and if he or she wakes up at night. Encourage your child to call for you if he or she feels the urge to use the toilet at night.
 | Follow these potty training tips to ensure that this important time in your child's life is made a little easier. |
 | If your child likes his potty chair and finds it easy to use, potty training will go much more smoothly. |
 | Potty training girls is generally considered easier than potty training boys, but that doesn't mean it's a piece of cake. |
There are dozens of toilet training books and products on the market today, and most of them acknowledge up front that toilet training can cause tears, frustration and arguments between parent and child. |
Potty training pants can be helpful when you're potty training your child. Since they resemble underwear, potty trainers make children feel like big kids, motivating them to act like big kids. |
