Potty Training Problems: The Defiant Child

There are all sorts of potty training problems. You might have the child that only wants to poop in a diaper, or you might have the toddler that is afraid of the flushing noise the toilet makes. Whatever potty training problems you might encounter - one of the more difficult problems to handle is the defiant child. This is the child that refuses to use the potty when you ask her to, and that a lot of the time tells you "No!"

When you're trying to potty train and you have this problem - it is your standard power struggle. Toddlers spend a lot of their time trying to be independent. Trying things you don't want them to like climbing to high places on chairs and tables, wandering away from mom at the park - even though they might crave your attention, most potty training age toddlers spend a lot of time trying to figure out their own independence.

The defiant potty training child is no different. She simply wants sitting on the potty seat to be her idea - and will often fight mom or dad when she feels forced.

So how should you handle the defiant child?

Well - there are a few different things you can try. First - you can simply give up and let her do it her way. Don't tell her when to go potty, just let her go when she needs to. Also, you should try to make her think that sitting on the potty seat is her idea. At some point while she's playing, you can offer her one of the many potty training books that are available. This might put the idea in her head and she might indicate to you that she needs to use the potty.

Another thing you can do is tell her that you need to use the potty. Let her know that you're going to go to the potty and that you'll be in the bathroom for a few minutes. At this point she might want to use the potty herself along with you, or she might want to use it shortly after you're done. Offer to help her if she needs to use the potty after you are finished.

These are a few of the things you can try to deal with this. If you're having other potty training problems - a lot of great ideas can be found at the Potty Training Resource.

It's important to remember that when you encounter any potty training problems, to just remain calm and remove any pressures that the child might be feeling. Pressure is often a key contributing factor to many potty training problems. Whatever the problem is that you encounter - just remember, your child will be potty trained and you'll be out of this stage before you know it - though I won't say you'll be missing it.