4 Tips for Potty Training the Reluctant Toddler

While at Cakes’ 3 year well child check appointment, the pediatrician seemed disappointed that we weren’t making any strides with potty training. Believe me, we wanted our child potty trained. I had a 2011 resolution of potty training so things weren’t happening for a lack of desire. We had a potty chair, potty ring, books, and lots of rewards that were supposed to help with her going potty on her own but nothing had been working for us. Our casual approach was not paying off and with the disappointment (disapproval?) from the pediatrician, we decided we needed to step up our efforts. Based on Cakes’ personality, we felt a more aggressive approach was in order.

A couple of my friends had been talking about shutting themselves into the house one weekend and doing a potty training boot camp to really kick things off with the potty training. So, for the three day, New Year’s, weekend we did just that. There weren’t really any manuals about how to do such an intense period of potty training. Saturday morning when she woke up we took off her diaper first thing and set her on her potty chair. We had a gate up and kept her confined to a small area of the bathroom and hallway. It was tight, uncomfortable, quarters for Cakes, my husband, and myself but we camped out with a basket full of books and prepared to spend the day in there. That first day was a battle of wills. Even with a nap she went 9.5 hours without going potty at all. Once she saw all the praise she got for going pee in the potty she couldn’t get enough of it and wanted to tell everyone we knew which included a call to Nana and Papa. Of course, this was the time that Daddy had stepped outside to talk to the neighbor and missed it but she was glad to share the big news when he came back inside.

Sunday was still a bit of touch and go but after the self esteem boost from Saturday night’s peeing, Cakes knew what to do and knew what was expected of her on the potty. We still spent long stretches waiting for her to go but once she did, we allowed us all a bit more room to roam between trips to the bathroom. Monday brought our first trips away from the house and Cakes did great and stayed dry on both trips out. Since then she’s been making great progress and can stay dry all night, through naps, and while running errands. Going poop is still a work in progress but we’ve had one success which was rewarded with a big Brobee doll and ice cream with sprinkles so we’re hoping that continues to be a motivator. We’ve heard pooping on the potty is much harder and doesn’t necessarily come at the same time as peeing so we’ll continue to be patient.

4 Tips For Potty Training a Reluctant Toddler:

1. Think about your child’s personality before choosing an approach. What works for everyone else’s child, might not work for yours.
2. Be patient. Progress in potty training can be slow but eventually things will start clicking.
3. Accidents happen. Even when you think your child is potty trained, accidents can still happen. Extended periods away from the potty or sleeping times can be triggers. Don’t punish your child for making accidents – you want to provide positive reinforcement.
4. Reward your child. Potty training is a huge milestone for a toddler. Be aware that what motivates one child might not work for each child. Ask yourself what motivates your child – for some it may be M&Ms, suckers, stickers, small toys, or the promise of a big toy when potty training is complete.