Potty training regression is more common than you might think. Potty accidents can spark worry about health conditions in parents about their potty-trained child, so we’re here to answer those burning questions and concerns.
Common Causes of Potty Training Regression
Stressful Life Events
Stress over periods of time, such as changes to their regular routine like a new baby brother or sister, moving homes or changing daycare providers, can cause potty training regression. This is one of the most common causes and identifying the source of stress is always a good place to start.
Medical Issues
Constipation, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other gastrointestinal issues can cause physical pain such as painful pooping which makes a child hesitant to use the toilet. Delayed bladder control and neurological conditions aren’t uncommon and parents should consult their healthcare provider if they see any indications of medical conditions.
Changes in Family Dynamics
Linking to stressful life events, family conflict, divorce and separation and other changes to family structure can cause regression in a potty-trained child over periods of time. Accidents during times of change and stress are completely normal but should still be addressed.
Environmental Distractions
From distractions as simple as a busy household or excessive screen time to influences like vacations and sleepovers, distractions often cause children to forget to listen to their body’s signals. This can lead to potty-training accidents during times of distraction.
Developmental Milestones
Development in other areas, such as walking and talking, can sometimes interfere with focus on toilet training and bathroom habits. This is usually one of the easier causes to resolve as focus can be reestablished with support and positive reinforcement from parents and caregivers.
When Regression Occurs
Accidents at School
Accidents at school can be particularly embarrassing or even traumatic, creating another source of stress for the child. Having no potty at school or being taken away from usual potty activities tend to see an increase in potty-training accidents.
Bedwetting
During nap times and while in bed at night can be the most common time for accidents. Nighttime potty training can be one of the more difficult to get right, meaning you may see an increase in accidents overnight compared to daytime. A regular routine of night bathroom breaks can help.
Solutions for Addressing Potty Training Regression
Consistent Routine
A consistent potty routine, incorporated as part of their usual daily routine, can be difficult to instill but incredibly effective. That includes daytime potty training, nighttime potty training and a repeated, consistent approach to toilet training as a whole.
Providing Emotional Support
Offering undivided attention, particularly with extra attention to respond to their needs, helps a child feel supported and cared for. This builds the foundation on which you can deliver positive reinforcement.
Fostering a Positive Environment
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective methods for helping children overcome potty training regression. Rather than focusing on an increase in accidents, focus on positive aspects, progress and successful potty training.
You can even further this by making toilet training a fun activity; a special time that you enjoy together. For example, incorporating a sticker chart or star chart can help make potty activities fun.
Proactive Measures to Prevent Regression
Encourage Independence
Encouraging a child to be more independent during potty training and toilet time, with small tasks like pulling up their pants and flushing the toilet, allows them to take responsibility and gain confidence with each success.
Stay Patient
It can be easy to feel like you need to rush the process, but remember that setbacks and regressions are natural. Your patience will translate to your child; helping reduce stress and making them feel more relaxed.
Conclusion and Encouragement for Parents
If there are just a few key points to take away from this, it is to:
- Be positive and patient - remember that potty training regression is normal and positive reinforcement is the best way to help the child.
- Provide attention and support - ignoring the issue won’t make it go away, but giving the child your full, undivided attention and unwavering support will help.
- Play it safe - if you’re concerned that there may be a medical condition causing the regression, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional.
Helping You Help Your Child
The Nighthawk Bedwetting Alarm is one of the most effective solutions to bedwetting; a common occurrence in potty training regression. By detecting moisture and waking the bedwetter before the problem spreads, this alarm helps the child stop bedwetting with natural associative behavior changes.
