Parents often ask: “Why is my fully potty-trained child regressing?”
Potty training regression happens often with many children. The factors involved in the regressive behavior can vary. Let’s take a look at what my cause your child’s regression…
Factors That Can Lead to Potty-Training Regression
Potty training regression occurs when a child who is fully potty trained suddenly begins having accidents. These accidents can happen over the course of days or even weeks. Many factors that lead to potty training regression are life events that are beyond a child’s control.
If your preschooler is starting to have multiple accidents the next factors can lead to their potty training regression:
A new baby or new sibling
Changes to the family structure, like divorce or moving to a new home
Changes to their regular routine, like a new sitter or starting a new school
Constipation or painful bowel movements
How to Handle Potty Training Regression
1. Solve the Root Cause of Potty Training Regression
Was there a significant change in your child’s life? A new babysitter? A new school? Think back to when the accidents started happening on a regular basis. Addressing the root causes of potty training regression will help you get back on track faster.
2. Stay Calm
Stay calm. Child feed off of our energy and learn from our actions. Negative attention will not help solve the regression behavior. If your child has an accident handle it in a matter of fact manner.
3. Offer Positive Reinforcement
Occasional pep talk and positive reinforcement may motivate your child to use the toilet again. You can use a sticker chart. Having special time to do their favorite activity is also beneficial.
4. Reinforce Potty Training and Keep Expectations
Get back on track by reinforcing your usual bathroom routines. Have your child sit on the potty during regularly scheduled times. Expert advice is to have your child try every 3 hours or so. If you see your child starting to wiggle, remind them to go to the bathroom. Use loving and positive words.
5. Talk About it
Potty training is a learning process. Talk to your child about why they may be having potty accidents. You can read a children’s books about toilet training at bedtime to help with the conversation. Our recommended list of children’s books on toilet training can be found here: Toilet Training Tips for Parents
See a Pediatrician or Healthcare Provider
Health issues may play a role in your child’s potty training regression. A major illness, urinary tract infection, or other medical alignments can contribute to this issue. Seek the expert advice of a board certified pediatrician rule out any of these factors.
How Long Do Potty Training Regressions Last?
The length of potty training regression will vary from child to child, nevertheless it should not last very long. Potty training regression could last a week or two. You identified the factors that may be involved in your child’s regression. You will be back on track in no time.
In some cases, potty training regression may stick around for a longer duration. This is because your child was not yet ready to be potty trained. Consider taking a break until your child shows signs of being ready.
If your child completely refuses to use the potty, and the stress is affecting them, give your pediatrician a call. Schedule an appointment. They may offer specific strategies. These strategies can help you deal with the regression. They can also help you get back on track.
Final Thoughts
We hope these tips for dealing with potty training regression help you. They should guide you to get your child back on track quickly. It may be as simple as giving your child extra attention during this regression. You also can create positive reinforcement, like a sticker chart for using the potty. Lastly, a friendly reminder that accidents happen! Regression is normal. Stay calm. New skills, like potty training, take time to learn.
