How to Help a Resistant Potty Trainer

Sometimes potty training just isn't going to happen. There are lots of reasons why it might not work; your toddler has decided they love their diapers, it is too hot outside, or they are just holding on to that last bit of control they have over their bathroom routine. Just remember, you aren't doing anything wrong, and neither is your toddler. It might not be the right time yet, or maybe there are a couple tricks left in the bag that can be tried before accepting your child might be a teenager before mastering the bathroom thing.

First off, don't make a big deal about potty training. If you have been trying for a while with not so great results, let it go for a bit and take a break. There isn't a time line on this stuff, and your child will learn how to use the potty. As a parent, it is hard to not compare your child to others, but take the pressure off yourself and try to have some fun with this whole potty training thing. You might find that a more positive fun attitude will work wonders.

Second, peer pressure isn't bad. Next time you have a play date with your youngster's best friend and you know they are on their way to perfect potty training, let them have a pee party together. This doesn't mean letting them have an unsupervised experience in the bathroom, but encourage them to use the bathroom together so they have a chance to check each other out. This might sound odd, but it does work. Children don't have the same social graces as we do because they haven't learned that some topics are taboo. Just as they are pulling their pants down to use the famous potty, one might make the observation of the diaper or pull up and inquire why they aren't in big kid underpants yet. This is a great time to jump in and casually suggest giving those big kid underpants a try. Kids like being like other kids.

Thirdly, be forgetful. One morning, forget to put the diaper on. Your potty trainer might figure it out, but you never know. This technique requires lots of preparation and also a super positive attitude on part of the parent. There will be accidents, and the accidents will happen at any time and any place. In the car, at the store, in a restaurant, which will cause your child to be wet, and their surroundings. Make sure to have lots of clean clothes to change into, and lots of positive attitude. Nobody likes walking around in wet clothes, and it might be enough to think about getting to the potty in time to prevent an accident. If you try this option, you have to stick with it. Don't give up after a couple days - you have to be diligent.

Fourth is to remember to reward, reward, and reward. You might have tried rewards in the past while potty training, but it is time to bring out the big guns. Sit down and have a true heart to heart with your potty trainer and ask them what they want if they use the potty. It needs to be something within reason and realistic that they can receive each time they use the potty. A nice treat or small item works great. Go out and purchase the item or treats they selected and position them in view of the coveted potty. It might seem like you are bribing your potty trainer, but sooner or later, there will be success.

Lastly, if all else fails, sit your potty trainer down and have a serious talk about what is happening. Explain to them how you feel as a parent that they are having a hard time potty training. Many times parents forget that children are empathetic and really do want to please their parents. Potty training is frustrating when it doesn't seem to be working, and unless your doctor feels there is a medical reason why your child is having problems getting to the potty, your child will become potty trained. You just have to wait it out and stay positive. By having a good talk with your toddler about what is happening, you might be surprised at how things work out.

No matter how your potty trainer figures it out, when it happens, it usually sticks. There might be some accidents after the mastery of the potty, but just keep giving your child lots of motivation and stick with it. Even if potty training is frustrating, it is still great opportunity to bond and connect with your child.