“My 6-year-old is having a lot of accidents, even though she was doing well and had gotten though potty training with no problems. What can I do or what is causing this?“
Given that your child is 6, I would first consult with his doctor to rule out any health condition, like a bladder infection, constipation, painful bowel movements, diabetes, or any developmental issue.
If the doctor rules out anything physical, it could be that your child is going through a potty training regression. Regressions can happen for any number of reasons: starting a new school, the arrival of a new sibling, moving home, parental divorce… If your child is going through any of these situations, give him time to adjust to this change. If your child attends school, have a chat with his teacher to find out if there is something going on that may be upsetting him.
Tell your child that you have noticed he is having more accidents and ask him why this might be. Listen to what he has to say and do what you can to support him. Do not blame him, shame him, or punish him when he has an accident. Instead, be supportive and loving. Remind him regularly to use the loo.
I hope this information helps. I wish you and your little one all the very best.
Love,
Ana
“Our doctor mentioned toddler potty training regression when I told him about our potty trained toddler having accidents on purpose. What should I do if he does have regression?”
Potty training regression is normal. Consider that children’s learning is not linear. They sometimes get stuck or may even go backwards depending on other skills they may need or depending on what is going on in their life.
There could be very different reasons for your child to have more accidents: changes in his routine, illness, or an emotional event. The important thing is that you don’t shame him whenever he has an accident and that you remind him to ask for the potty when he needs to wee. Do not punish him when he has an accident. Give him praise when he is successful.
You mention that your toddler is having accidents in purpose. I am not sure what makes you think that he is doing it on purpose. Think that toddlers don’t usually have the mental ability to do things to annoy us. So, I very much doubt that he is having accidents on purpose. It is important that you are clear about this, otherwise potty training may become a power struggle between you and your toddler, and this is something that you should avoid.
You may find these articles useful:
How Many Potty Training Accidents Are Useful?
Tips for Potty Training a Girl
I hope this information helps. I wish you and your little one all the very best.
Love,
Ana
“Quick question: how many potty training accidents are normal when you first start potty training? Other parents told me it was so easy, some say it took a year, and I don’t know what to expect (we’re just starting)”.
As you can see from what other parents have told you, each child is different. Some children learn to use the potty quickly, whereas others find it more difficult. It does not mean anything whether your child finds it difficult or easy.
Accidents happen, they are part of the learning process. Some children may have trouble recognizing when they need to wee, whereas others may have accidents because they get too excited about what they are doing and forget that they need to the potty.
There isn’t a “normal” number of accidents. Remember to be consistent, patient and to reassure your child whenever he has an accident. With time, your child will have stop having accidents.
Have a read at this article: Tips for Potty Training Boys
I hope this information is useful. I wish your family all the very best.
Love,
Ana
