How to deal with regression in potty training?

In collaboration with Rokiyah Hosen

Potty training can take time. As with all types of learning, setbacks are possible. Accidents" are common and are very different from regression. They can be frustrating. But don't worry, we've got some tips to help your child get potty-trained again.

What are the factors behind the decline in cleanliness?

There are many reasons whypotty training may be regressing. Identifying the cause will help you solve the problem.

A new baby joins the family

One of the main causes of potty regression in children is thearrival of a new family member: a little brother or sister. Some children see this arrival as rivalry, and feel jealous. They'll want to win back their parents' attention, and this can sometimes have an impact on the child's hygiene.

Stress and changing habits

If your child's potty training has regressed, it's likely that he's under stress. Has his routine or lifestyle changed recently? It could be thestart of school, a new childcare arrangement, a move, and many other reasons. These changes can be a source of stress for your little one, who will then express himself by ceasing to be potty-trained.

Fear of toilets

If your child has had a bad experience on the toilet, e.g. being reprimanded, being punished after an accident, having pain during bowel movements, etc., this can lead to regression. 

Constipation or urinary tract infections

Medical causes can also lead to a regression in potty training. For example, if your child suffers from a urinary infection, bladder control becomes more difficult and painful.

The same goes for constipation: if your little one has trouble with bowel movements, he may start to fear the potty and avoid the effort involved.

Finally, some (often older) children are so busy playing that they end up going to the toilet far too late.

How can you tell the difference between a loss of cleanliness and an accident?

There's a difference between the regression of cleanliness and the accidents that can happen. 

Accidents are a normal part of your child's learning process . They should remain occasional and unforeseen. 

They're not worth worrying about - accidents are how your child learns to be completely potty-trained. Here's how to recognize a potty training accident:

• If your child has an accident (or two) within a week, but is potty-trained again the following week ;
• Your child is three years old and has a few accidents after 8 months of being potty trained;
• Your child forgets to go to the toilet because he's fully absorbed in the activity he's doing.

Regression can be distinguished by its non-isolated, non-occasional nature. Your child will have accidents over several weeks, even though he or she has been potty-trained for some time.

If your child starts to wet the bed regularly , or asks to be put back in diapers, this may be a sign of regression.

How can you help your child learn potty training after a regression?

If your child is regressing when it comes to potty training, there are a number of things you can do to help him or her relearn how to be potty-trained. The Montessori method, for example, is widely used to help your child become independent and potty-trained.

Determining the cause of regression

First of all, the most important thing is toidentify the causes of potty trainingregression. Refer to the various factors we mentioned at the beginning of this article. To help you identify the cause of the loss of hygiene, you can ask your child questions and pay attention to what he or she says. For example, if he or she tells you about a classmate or day-care classmate who is not yet potty-trained, perhaps he or she wants to imitate him or her? If he tells you about his fears when going to the toilet, perhaps he's got it into his head that there's a monster in the toilet etc... 

You can tell your child that you've noticed he often has accidents, while reassuring him that it's nothing serious. Ask him: maybe he knows why he's regressing. Listen carefully to his answers and put him at ease so that he can communicate.

Always show compassion. Regressing in cleanliness is not a serious matter, and you can share your own experiences with her if the same thing has happened to you. Make her feel that her emotions are totally valid.

Resuming a cleanliness routine

To get your child potty trained, you need a plan of action. If the reason your child is no longer potty-trained is because he's stressed, put things in place to make him less so, if he's trying to get your attention, spend more time with your child doing activities that amuse him, and so on.

Avoid going back to diapers as much as possible! However, you can equip your little one with training pants. These replace diapers.

Here's a typical example of a routine you can set up: 

• Go to the potty in the morning straight after getting up;
• Every meal ;
• As soon as you have to leave home;
• And finally, in the evening, before going to bed.

Having regular potty times will create a routine for your child and make potty training easier.

Using props and games to teach cleanliness

There are several accessories that can help you make your child more potty-trained:

• Potty training chart: simply create a chart with the days of the week. You can hang it up in your toilet or bathroom. Each time your child goes to the toilet, you can stick a sticker or draw on the corresponding day's square;
• There are also potty training games. Read our article on this subject;
• Last but not least, there are potty training books available. They enable your child to discover or rediscover potty training through stories.

Using positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your child with stickers, treats or physical demonstrations. Staying positive and encouraging your child is essential for learning to go smoothly.

Don't punish your child for accidents

Even if accidents are frustrating, there's no point in punishing your child. It will only increase the insecurity and anxiety he may feel. Don't show annoyance or irritation, as this would be counterproductive.

The FAQ of potty training regression

Is it serious if my child's potty training regresses?

What can be done to prevent the regression of potty training at age 2?

What can be done if potty training has regressed by age 3?

How do you deal with the regression of potty training at age 4?