Overcoming Potty Training Resistance

It is possible to overcome potty training resistance, it just takes a little patience and, in some cases, a little bit of creativity.

Is Your Child Ready?
Nothing is more disheartening than deciding your child is ready for potty training only to find that your child has very different ideas. You can avoid a potty training war by making sure your child is truly ready for potty training. That means that she is showing interest in the potty, not because you think it is time to stop using diapers.

In order for potty training to be successful, your child needs to understand simple commands and be eager to use the potty. Otherwise, the process will be disastrous. Another thing to remember is that potty training coincides with a more independent time in your child's life. He could be saying "no" to the potty simply as a way to exert control over his environment.

If you suspect that is the case, you'll need to find another way to present potty training, perhaps referring to how "big kids" use the potty or by encouraging your child with a reward system. You know your child best, and you know what it takes to motivate her. If she responds to best to a reward system, then that is what you should use.

Remember that potty training does not happen overnight. It can take several weeks before a child is fully potty-trained. Rven then, he might still have accidents.

Things to Avoid
You'll have better luck with potty training if you can avoid the following situations, which are likely to make the process more difficult for your child:

• Starting potty training during stressful times, like during a move or after a new baby arrives.
• Pushing your child to start potty training when he is clearly not ready.
• Punishing a child for having an accident.
• Referring to bodily waste as dirty, stinky or yucky. That only scares little ones away from using the toilet.
• Scolding your child or becoming angry when your child doesn't use the potty.

Things to Do to Ensure Success

• Go at the child's own pace. Remember they will get toilet trained, on their own schedule.
• Use rewards, whether it is stickers, candy or new underpants, whatever works for your child.
• Use lots of praise and encouragement.
• Be patient. You cannot rush the process.
• Be persistent. Ask your child consistently to use the potty.
• Read or watch videos of other children using the potty.
• Be ready to answer any of your child's questions with simple, straightforward facts.
• Practice, practice, practice
• Take a break from potty training. If your child just isn't ready, try again in a few weeks.