Potty Training Regression

Potty training regression can be a challenging and frustrating phase for both children and parents. But with the right strategies and a positive approach, you can successfully navigate this setback and regain momentum towards your potty training goals.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is Potty training regression and the common causes of regression.
• Four strategies to overcome potty training setbacks
• How to encourage & reward progress with our FREE Potty Training Charts

What causes potty training regression

Potty training regression is often caused by a number of factors, such as changes in routine, stress or even developmental milestones. Here are a few things to be mindful of:

 Changes in routine: Major life events such as starting preschool or moving to a new home disrupt the established potty training routine, leading to regression.

 Stress: Adjusting to potty training requires routine and repetition, and stress may cause toddlers to feel overwhelmed and less receptive to change. Be mindful of situations that are stressful for your child, or factors that might be causing stress for people around them.

 Developmental milestones: As children focus on acquiring new skills like language development or motor skills, their attention may temporarily shift from potty training, causing regression.

 Resistance to change: Some children resist the transition from diapers to the potty because of the lack of familiarity. Don’t forget that this is a big change for them, and the fear of the unknown is enough for them to resist the potty all together. Take your time in familiarising them with the potty, explaining or helping them experience the feeling of undies and what it’s like to have an accident and don’t take small setbacks as complete regression. It’s quite common for kids to adjust to the potty one day and want to be back in diapers the next.

Strategies to overcome potty training setbacks

Emotional support

Don’t forget the emotional aspect! Shower your little one with support, encouragement, and understanding. Acknowledge their fears and worries, assuring them that setbacks are normal and temporary. Your patience and love will help them feel safe and confident on their potty training adventure.

Back to basics

Help your little one overcome setbacks by going back to the basics. Remind them why we use the potty with examples of how it feels to have accidents. These examples don’t need to be negative, but will help you explain the importance of trying again as you re-teach the basics of using the potty, going to the bathroom and proper hygiene. It’s importance to build their confidence again! Head to our blog for a full guide on how to potty train your toddler.Don’t forget the emotional aspect! Shower your little one with support, encouragement, and understanding. Acknowledge their fears and worries, assuring them that setbacks are normal and temporary. Your patience and love will help them feel safe and confident on their potty training adventure.

Consistency is king

Creating a consistent routine sets the stage for success! Stick to a predictable schedule for bathroom breaks, especially after meals and before bed. Consistency helps your child understand expectations, reducing the likelihood of regression.

Positive reinforcement and patience

Essential to the potty training process is positive reinforcement and patience. It will take time for their body to adjust to using the potty, and accidents are part of the learning process. Try not to react to these occasions with frustration. Instead, offer reassurance, help them change into a clean diaper, and explain why we use the potty and what we can try do next time.

When they use the potty successfully, offer gentle praise or a small reward like a sticker chart. Positive reinforcement of their behaviour and what they did successfully also helps them learn.

Keep the motivation high

Essential to the potty training process is positive reinforcement and patience. It will take time for their body to adjust back to using the potty, and accidents are part of the learning process. Try not to react to these occasions with frustration. Instead, offer reassurance, help them change into a clean diaper, and explain why we use the potty and what we can try do next time.

When they use the potty successfully, offer gentle praise or a small reward like a sticker chart. Our FREE Rascal + Friends CoComelon Potty Training Charts are the perfect incentive to track progress and keep the process fun.

Download: CoComelon Potty Training Charts

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