How to Avoid Burnout as a New Mom: Managing Stress During Breastfeeding
Mar 13, 2025By Tanvi Munjal
Picture this: You're standing in your living room, surrounded by wet wipes, spare clothes, and a look of pure determination. There's a tiny human looking back at you, equally determined – but for entirely different reasons. Welcome to the world of potty training, where every day feels like a mix between a comedy show, a science experiment, and an emotional rollercoaster.
Let's be real – potty training isn't for the faint of heart. It's a battlefield of unexpected accidents, mysterious stains, and moments that will make you question your sanity (and your carpet's durability). But here's the good news: Every parent goes through this. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. Those Instagram-perfect parents? They've been here, too; they just don't share the messy photos.
If you've been following our potty-training series, you've already learned a lot! On Day 1, we covered the introduction and preparation for potty training. Day 2 was all about identifying signs your child is ready. On Day 3, we explored creating a positive potty-training environment. On Day 4, we shared techniques for making potty training fun.Â
This guide is your lifeline – a practical roadmap through the potty-training maze. We're going to dive deep into the challenges, decode the toddler bathroom habits, and most importantly, remind you that you're doing an amazing job – even when you're covered in... well, you know.
Resistance to Using the Potty
Resistance to using the potty is one of the most common challenges many parents face during potty training. This resistance often stems from various factors, including fear, discomfort, or simply not being ready yet.
Why It Happens:
- Fear:Â Children might be afraid of the potty or toilet, especially if they've had a scary experience, like falling in or seeing someone else have an accident.
- Discomfort:Â The potty might feel cold or uncomfortable, leading to reluctance.
- Not Ready:Â Some children might not be physically or emotionally ready to start using the potty.
What Your Child Might Be Feeling:
- Scared or Unsure:Â Your child might feel uncertain about this new experience and associate it with discomfort or fear.
- Sense of Control:Â Children often resist the potty as a way to assert control over their environment.
Solutions:
- Gradual Introduction:Â Place the potty in a visible location and let your child explore it at their own pace.
- Make It Fun:Â Use songs, stories, or games to make the potty more appealing.
- Positive Reinforcement:Â Praise your child for showing interest in the potty, even if they don't use it right away.
Difficulty Staying on the Potty
Children often have short attention spans and might find it hard to sit on the potty for long periods.
Why It Happens:
- Short Attention Span:Â Young children can get distracted easily and might not want to sit still.
- Discomfort:Â The potty might feel uncomfortable, leading to restlessness.
What Your Child Might Be Feeling:
- Bored or Uncomfortable:Â Your child might feel bored sitting on the potty or uncomfortable due to the hard seat.
Solutions:
- Engage Them:Â Read books, sing songs, or play games while they're on the potty to make the experience more enjoyable.
- Praise Efforts:Â Encourage your child by praising them for sitting on the potty, even if they don't go.
- Use a Potty Seat:Â Consider using a potty seat with a cushion for comfort.
Accidents and Wetting Themselves
Accidents are a normal part of the potty-training process, but they can be distressing for both parents and children.
Why It Happens:
- Lack of Control:Â Young children might not have full bladder control yet.
- Distractions:Â They might get engrossed in play and forget to go to the bathroom.
- Medical Issues:Â Constipation or urinary tract infections may cause accidents.
What Your Child Might Be Feeling:
- Embarrassed or Worried:Â Your child might feel embarrassed about having an accident or worried about disappointing you.
Solutions:
- Stay Calm:Â React calmly to accidents and reassure your child that they're okay.
- Encourage Trying Again:Â Encourage your child to try again and praise their efforts.
- Use Protective Gear:Â Consider using underwear with extra protection or training pants to help manage accidents.
Regression After Being Dry
Sometimes, children who have been dry for a while might start having accidents again. This can be due to medical issues, emotional stressors, or changes in routine.
Why It Happens:
- Medical Issues:Â Constipation or urinary tract infections often cause regression.
- Emotional Stress:Â Changes in the environment, like moving or starting school, can lead to stress.
- Changes in Routine:Â Travel or changes in caregivers can disrupt potty habits.
What Your Child Might Be Feeling:
- Stressed or Overwhelmed:Â Your child might feel stressed by changes in their environment or overwhelmed by new situations.
Solutions:
- Check for Medical Issues:Â Consult a healthcare provider if you suspect a medical cause.
- Address Emotional Stress:Â Talk to your child about any stressors they might be experiencing and reassure them that you're there to help.
- Maintain Routine:Â Try to keep the potty routine consistent even during changes.
Constipation
Constipation is common during potty training and can make the process more difficult.
Why It Happens:
- Diet:Â A diet low in fiber leads to constipation.
- Fear of the Potty:Â Children might hold their stool due to fear of using the potty for bowel movements.
What Your Child Might Be Feeling:
- Uncomfortable or Painful:Â Your child might feel uncomfortable or experience pain when trying to go to the bathroom.
Solutions:
- Dietary Changes:Â Ensure your child is eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water.
- Encourage Regular Bowel Movements:Â Establish a routine for bowel movements to help prevent constipation.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider:Â If constipation persists, seek medical advice for treatment.
Fear of the Potty or Toilet
Some children develop a fear of the potty or toilet, which can hinder progress.
Why It Happens:
- Scary Experiences:Â A frightening experience, like falling into the toilet, can lead to fear.
- Observation:Â Watching others have accidents can create fear.
What Your Child Might Be Feeling:
- Scared or Intimidated:Â Your child might feel scared or intimidated by the toilet.
Solutions:
- Gradual Exposure:Â Slowly introduce your child to the toilet by letting them watch others use it safely.
- Positive Reinforcement:Â Use positive reinforcement to make the experience more comfortable.
- Make It Fun:Â Use songs or stories to make the toilet seem less intimidating.
Stool Withholding
Children might hold onto their stool, which can lead to constipation and make potty training harder.
Why It Happens:
- Fear of the Potty:Â Children might fear using the potty for bowel movements.
- Painful Experience:Â A painful bowel movement can lead to withholding.
What Your Child Might Be Feeling:
- Anxious or Scared:Â Your child might feel anxious about using the potty for bowel movements.
Solutions:
- Reassurance:Â Reassure your child that it's okay to have accidents and that you're there to help.
- Encourage Regular Bowel Movements:Â Establish a routine for bowel movements to help prevent withholding.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider:Â If withholding persists, seek medical advice.
Starting School and Still Wearing Nappies
For children starting school, wearing nappies can be a source of distress.
Why It Happens:
- Developmental Delays:Â Some children might not be developmentally ready for potty training by school age.
- Stress:Â The stress of starting school can cause regression.
What Your Child Might Be Feeling:
- Embarrassed or Worried:Â Your child might feel embarrassed about wearing nappies at school or worried about being different from peers.
Solutions:
- Talk to the Teacher:Â Inform your child's teacher about their needs and work together to find a solution.
- Encourage School Toilet Use:Â Encourage your child to use the school toilet and offer reassurance that they're not alone.
- Positive Reinforcement:Â Continue to praise your child's efforts and progress.
Tips for Parents
- Stay Calm and Patient:Â Potty training can be stressful, but it's important to remain calm and patient. Avoid scolding or punishing your kid for accidents.
- Use Positive Reinforcement:Â Praise your kid for their efforts, even if they don't succeed every time. Stickers, small treats, or verbal encouragement can be very motivating.
- Make It Fun:Â Use songs, stories, or games to make potty training more enjoyable. This can help your child look forward to using the potty.
- Watch for Signs of Readiness:Â Make sure that your child is both physically and emotionally prepared for potty training by looking for signs such as curiosity about the toilet, longer periods of dryness, and expressing the need to use the bathroom.
- Seek Support:Â Don't hesitate to seek advice and reassurance from healthcare professionals or support groups if you're facing challenges.
Conclusion
Potty training is filled with ups and downs, but with patience, understanding, and the right strategies, you and your child can navigate these challenges successfully. Remember, every child learns at their own pace. By staying positive and supportive, you can help your child overcome common potty-training problems and achieve this important milestone.
