Solutions for Pottytraining Regression

"Timmy, do you have to use the potty?" "No, mommy," says Timmy. But, Timmy's mom knows that it has been a little while since Timmy has gone to the toilet. Timmy likely does have to go, but can no longer feel the urge or is avoiding it. This is a common occurrence in potty training regression.

What is Potty Training Regression?

Potty training regression is when a child who has already been fully potty trained suddenly does not seem to know how anymore or avoids the toilet often. Potty training regression occurs for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons are medical, while others may not be.

Can Pottytraining Regression Be Prevented?

Potty training regression cannot always be prevented. With the attention and care of parents and caregivers involved in the potty training process, a child who has regressed can return to regular toilet training habits.

How Can I Help A Child With Potty Training Regression?

Observation is key to helping a child who is dealing with potty training regression. Pay attention to how frequently the child uses the toilet during the day. Also watch for other behaviors that may be associated with the child not using the toilet properly.

Look for signs of discomfort or pain. A simple explanation could be that the child has a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection. If either is suspected, the child should see a pediatrician right away to get diagnosed and possibly treated. Once the infection clears up, the child should return to normal toilet habits.

Another simple explanation for potty training regression could be that the child may have gotten too interested in playing and decided to hold the urge to use the restroom. Once the child has done this enough times, it can make the child immune in a way to feeling the normal urge to use the restroom. This type of potty training regression can be easily fixed by making sure the child uses the toilet at regular intervals. After doing this for a certain time period, the normal urge should eventually return to normal.

Another reason for potty training regression is stress. If a child has recently endured a stressful situation or is in a new environment, that could trigger the potty training regression. To remedy this situation, try to avoid the stress factor. If that is not possible (new home, new babysitter, etc...), observe the child and make sure that he or she goes to the toilet at regular intervals. Eventually, the problem should heal itself with regular toilet use.

A commonly overlooked reason for potty training regression is that experienced due to different potty training objectives between caregivers. For instance, there could be different routines between what is expected at home and what is expected at the daycare center or another family member's house. In this case, all caregivers should discuss and come to an agreement on the toilet routine to be followed. If everyone agrees and follows up with consistency, the potty training regression should clear up in time.

There are many underlying causes for potty training regression. However, the suggestions above may be some of the things you'll hear the pediatrician mention, likely along with others. This is not a substitute for medical advice. Always see a pediatrician for guidance on potty training regression. This guide is simply meant as a supplemental informational tool.

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Sources:

Personal Parenting Experience

"Toilet Training," American Academy of Pediatrics