Potty Training Problems

It is no question for debate that after teething, potty training time is perhaps the most difficult and trying phase for a growing child. It is possible that the child is already over burdened with having to learn something new every day and may be reluctant to completely give up the comfort of getting their business done inside the diaper. Parents too are misled by proud neighbours or friends who like to boast about how quickly their children learnt to go to potty all by themselves. They are also the ones to ‘estimate’ how much time it should take for an average child to get potty trained, which further causes stress in the grownups if the targets are not met (as if potty training a child is a job at the office and others are going to check on it!). This increased stress is transferred on to the child, who is pushed further into doing what he or she is not ready to do, is scared of or just apprehensive about. Here are a few potty training problems that parents and children face.

 

Common Problems During Potty Training 

Here are some problems that people face during potty training their children:

 

Back To Nappy-Happy 

Too much pressure from parents or even the outside world can cause a child to be rather stressed out about the whole potty training experience. Subsequently, anything that causes a child’s stress levels to increase will only push it to return to a previous level of development, especially if the child has only started to make the transition. Stress inducing factors could be anything from an illness in the child or a new baby in the house, to a change from the crib to a bed, or a move to a new house. All it needs is a bit of time and gentle coercion and it is sure to pass.

 

Mommy Next To Me 

Sometimes the children are used to having one particular person next to them while they go about their business. You must realise that this is fairly common and totally normal, since any new change will bring with it a lot of stress and even fear, which subsides when someone they love is next to them. This practice should, however, not be allowed to carry on for very long, since the child must be able to get along all by himself/herself. So if your child will only go potty with you, gradually withdraw yourself from the process. For example, offer to help your child get undressed or walk your child to the bathroom, but don’t go inside the toilet and wait for him or her outside instead.

 

“Mommy! The Toilet Will Suck Me” 

Many children fear being sucked into the toilet if it's flushed while they're sitting on it. This may seem like a non-issue for a grown up, but for a child who is only just getting used to it, it is extremely scary. Try not to brush it aside as childish or a useless excuse, which will only cause more problems and you will notice more resistance. Instead, try and give your child a feeling of control, by telling him or her flush pieces of toilet paper into the commode on his own. This will lessen the fear of the sound of rushing water and the sight of things disappearing.

 

Who Needs To Potty? 

For quite some time, your child may not recognize the need to urinate, even if he/she may recognize the need for sound bowel movement. This phenomenon is fairly normal and not at all a cause for worry. In fact, you would be surprised to know that some children just do not gain complete bladder control for quite a number of months after they have learned to control bowel movements. Keep this fact in mind and gently continue the process of potty training.

 

We’ve Got A Problem Here 

Accidents are a common occurrence, especially in the beginning of the potty training stages. Most children have accidents and it is considered common even after six to eight months. After an accident occurs, remember to stay calm and treat them lightly and try not to get upset. Punishment and scolding will often make children feel bad and may make toilet training take longer and create feelings that your child cannot handle at this young age.