|
Top
Tips For Potty Training Accidents
By Dianne Ball
It
is inevitable that your child will have accidents when he or she
is being potty trained. Be supportive, even when your child has
not successfully used the toilet. With time, the accidents should
become fewer and fewer until your child is completely potty trained
and accidents are few and far between.
It’s been a long time since you were in diapers. Parents often
do not realize that their children have accidents simply because
they think differently. A child cannot plan ahead the way adults
do every day — how many times, for example, do you jump in
the car for a long trip with an older child and he or she needs
to stop for a restroom less then ten minutes into the trip? Toddlers
have an even shorter planning ability. They may hold it, thinking
they can wait to use the potty when their television program or
game is finished. Often, this is not the case, and the result is
an accident.
Your child may also simply not realize he or she needs to use the
potty. Even if your child has previously voiced the need to go to
the restroom, other activities, such as being engrossed in play,
can take your child’s mind off bodily needs. Ask you child
often if he or she needs to use the potty, just as you would ask
him or her to drink water on a hot day.
Be consistent with potty training rules as well to prevent these
accidents. Your child may be doing this on purpose to gauge your
reaction. Accidents should never result in punishment, but be firm
as to what your child can and cannot do until he or she is potty
trained. Regular accidents are not OK if your child knows better
and had previously been able to control his or her bathroom actions.
However, if your child is having regular accidents and is upset
at this, consult your doctor. There may be medical reason as to
when potty training is becoming more difficult, and sometimes, simple
dietary changes can help you fix these problems. Most children have
accidents up to 6 months after successful toilet training. If accidents
continue, speak with your child about the situation. If he or she
is deliberately causing accidents, you may wish to postpone potty
training until he or she is more mature. Punishment in these situations
rarely works, but don’t let your child use potty training as
a way of getting attention.
Accidents are normal. Although undesirable, remember to be supportive
of your child as he or she is trying to learn to use the potty,
even when they’re unsuccessful. Join an online support group
if you find this process especially stressful. This, along with
the multiple articles and tools for parents, can help you learn
more techniques for potty training more quickly and avoiding accidents.
Use accidents as a learning tool. As your child progresses in the
potty training process, he or she will have fewer accidents. Don’t
be surprised if your child regresses after having made significant
progress—potty training takes time and support and is often
a case of two steps forward and one step back.
About The Author: Diane Ball has an interest in Potty Training.
For further information on Potty Training please visit
http://www.painlesspottytraining.com/potty-training.html
or
http://www.painlesspottytraining.com/blog/2006/09/27/top-tips-for-potty-training-accidents/
|
