Pam's Parenting Tip of the Month

Managing Potty Training Resistance

Potty training, like eating and sleeping, is truly in the control of your child. All you can do is be supportive and encouraging and set the stage for success. Your child will probably be toilet trained when she is ready, NOT necessarily when you are ready. If your child is three to three and a half years old and you're meeting up with a lot of resistance it's time to re-examine the situation.

Reasons for resistance:

• Being afraid to sit on the potty
• A flushing toilet may have scared him 
• Being pushed too early or fast before he was ready
• Punishment for not using the potty or being forced to sit on the potty
• Inconsistent training, especially among different caregivers
• May have had a painful bowel movement from being constipated
• May be stubborn and involved in a power struggle with parents
• May enjoy the negative attention from not using the potty or from having accidents

 How to prevent resistance:

• Make him responsible for using the potty
• Don't punish for mistakes
• Don't remind him to use the potty 

Potty training is a big process. Some experts feel that it is the first and biggest developmental step your child will take. Have patience with the process and trust your child to help lead the way.