Potty Training Advice: Tips for Managing Regressions

In this issue of our practical advice and potty training tips from regular mamas who have been there , we’re talking about managing regressions when your child is potty training.

Sometimes our kids take a backwards step in the process of learning to potty train. Parents can find this particularly frustrating, finding that they are again having to revisit many of the potty training steps previously mastered. But it’s amazing how many kids take two steps forwards and then one step back as their bodies learn to manage the physical requirements of successfully using the potty.

So, today we are talking with our panel of experienced mamas about potty regressions.

How did you manage regressions?

• My firstborn went back to night wetting after her second sister was born (she was 4). We put extra sheets on the bed and took her to the toilet in her sleep (usually before we went to bed) until it passed. SH

• Regressions have usually been associated with my husband being away or another routine change. We give lots of cuddles in between and try not making a big deal about accidents. SP

• J regressed with No. 2’s after she had an accident at day care that was quite an ordeal (first meal of mexican beef….say no more).  It was three weeks of every emotion until we got back on track.  I was very patient at first but regression is hard to handle after they have mastered the art of going to the potty.  Patience was replaced by frustration and, at times, anger.  I consulted all of the parenting books I had and they all said the same thing, hang in there – so we did.  Smiles through clenched teeth and small rewards slowly paid off.  My mantra became a comment made by one of the authors in my baby books,  “No-one walks down the aisle wearing a nappy”. TW

• We’ve never really had issues with regression. M goes through patches where he’s less attentive to the whole toilet thing than others, but usually that is because he’s tired, or unwell, or focusing his attention on something else, and he always comes good without any issues. KF

• My middle child goes through phases of being easily distracted by fun things and wanting to hold on as long as possible – then often until she wets her pants. I try to give timely reminders and attempt not to get too annoyed. SH

• We would take a step back and then repeat what we did before. AH

• Treat them as no big deal. CO

Do you have any advice to share for managing toilet training regressions?

For more on potty training be sure to check out Teaching Kids How to Wipe and Nighttime Potty Training Tips.

With thanks for sharing to Shae (Mum to 3 girls), Tanya (Mum to a pigeon pair), Amanda (Mum to 2 girls), Kate (Mum to 4 – two of each), Cath (Mum to 1+1) and Sarah (Mum to 2 boys and 1 girl).