Every child is unique, so potty training for your child may differ from others. Some children may begin early, while others may be late bloomers. The transition from diapers to the toilet is a significant childhood milestone. Although the typical age for a child to be potty trained is three years, what happens when your child is not interested in being potty trained at this age?
If you feel that your three-year-old is the last child in their class to learn to use the potty, you are not alone.
Despite many toddlers showing interest in the potty as early as 2 years old, only 40 to 60% of toddlers are fully potty trained by the time they are 36 months old, according to study.
The method your child chooses for potty training will probably depend on temperament, developmental readiness, interest, and even gender.
3-Year-Old Is Not Potty Trained
It is common for children to start potty training around 24 months old and complete their training within 3 to 6 months. By this age, most children can recognize when they need to go to the bathroom and can use the restroom independently.
However, if your child is above 3 years old, has no developmental delays, and has been potty training for over six months with little progress, they may be considered a late potty trainer.
While occasional accidents during potty training are normal, a regression in toilet mastery after months or years of successful potty training may be caused by psycho-social stress or a health problem.
It can be frustrating for parents when their child has not been successfully potty trained at all and is considered “late to the party.” It is important to remember that every child is different and may progress at their own pace.
What Causes Delayed Potty Training
- Toilet training delays can also be brought on by urinary tract infections, severe diarrhea, or chronic constipation.
- Wetting during laughter
- Weak muscle control and a small bladder capacity: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) attributes delayed toilet training to a small bladder capacity. Frequent wetting can also come from poor muscle control or a lack of coordination between the muscles controlling the sphincter and bladder.
- Difficulty with toilet training or refusal to do so as a result of a parent-child power: You may be dealing with toilet training rejection or resistance if your child has accidents on purpose, yells on the way to the bathroom, or throws tantrums when you remind them to use the potty. This is typical of kids who have a strong sense of independence and dislike being told what to do.
- A verbal impediment.
- A fear of the bathroom: Children who have had unpleasant experiences or medical issues may develop a phobia of the toilet. Your kid may develop a fear of using the bathroom if they have had uncomfortable poop or pees as a result of a medical condition. If the toilet flush is loud, the restroom is unsettling, or the toilet seat has pinched them, some kids may become scared to use the potty.
Late toilet training might indicate a variety of issues. Because they aren’t quite ready, your child may be avoiding potty training. Another explanation for why your child might not be developing is that they need more of your attention.
They may try to get your attention by peeing themselves to engage you in emotional discussion. Delays in potty training may also be a sign of ADHD. While most toddlers are potty trained by the age of 36 months, children with ADHD may have trouble after this point.
Additionally
Your child may become disoriented in their current environment, which can affect their potty training progress.
In some cases, children may become so absorbed in their activities that they do not notice their body’s cues, which can also hinder their potty training.
While certain issues, such as a fear of the bathroom or a small bladder, are likely to improve with time, others, such as poor muscle control or an infection, may require medical attention from your child’s doctor.
If you are unsure about the cause of your child’s delayed potty training, it is best to consult with their doctor for a diagnosis.
Signs Your Toddler Is Ready To Potty Train
Your child stays drier longer.
Do you have to change as many wet diapers as you once did? Kids urinate regularly until they are around 20 months old. It’s impossible to expect them to regulate their bladders.
However, a child is physically prepared to try training if they remain dry for at least two hours during the day.
- They can tell you they are doing a pee because they know when to have one.
- They pull at their diaper, take it off, or ask you to change it when they have a wet or dirty diaper.
- Your child may show overt signs that he or she needs to use the restroom, such as fidgeting or moving to a hidden or quiet location.
- They are aware of when they must urinate and may announce it beforehand.
Seven Useful Tips For Potty Training Your Toddler
1. Have fun with it
Making your toddler have fun while potty training helps them feel relaxed. This works for babies who are already anxious about the toilet. Keep a favorite toy or book nearby to make potty training more interesting and enjoyable. This will help them to view the toilet more favorably.
2. Get rid of the diapers
If your child is older than three, potty training should go smoothly without pull-ups or diapers. Take your child to buy big kid underpants and encourage them to get ones with their favorite characters. They would want to take good care of their new favorite pants and avoid getting them soiled.
3. Make sure it is simple to access the restroom
Each room where your child spends a lot of time should have a toilet. Having more than one could signify this. Sometimes a toddler’s resistance to toilet training can be as straightforward as a restroom visit. Fix the problem by maintaining a restroom close to where they can access it quickly.
4. Encouragement and Rewards
Recognize each accomplishment and ignore any setbacks. Give your child your undivided attention, plenty of cuddles, and lots of praise for each small step they’ve taken toward toilet training, whether it’s using the toilet or potty successfully or sleeping dry.
Make potty training as enjoyable as you can for your kid by doing the following: Giving children incentives or rewards (such as stickers or tiny toys) for clean days or after each bathroom visit is a fantastic approach to keep them motivated.
5. Set a good example
Pooping and peeing on the potty can be frightening for many kids. Why not demonstrate to your child that there is nothing to be afraid of instead of telling them? To demonstrate how safe using the potty is either place one of your child’s favorite stuffed animals on it or sit down on it yourself.
6. Consistency
The best thing you can do is remind your child because they might not be interested in remembering when it’s time to use the restroom. Make sure you adhere to the schedule you have established, whether that means reminding your child to use the restroom every 20 minutes or every two hours.
7. Accept the accidents
Your disapproval may bring negative feelings, choose your words and tone carefully. Accidents will happen frequently. Whatever age your child is when you potty train them, this is true. Don’t yell or lose your cool over mishaps.
Speak calmly to them. Instead of dwelling on the mess, merely keep in mind to try your child on the toilet again shortly. Get some inexpensive extra pairs of shorts or pants and underwear if your child is having a few accidents per day at first so that you can get through the transition.
Addressing Potty Training Problems
1. Potty Training Technique
Check to see if your child is a good candidate for the potty training approach you’re employing. Every child learns differently, therefore a different approach to potty training might be effective. While some children benefit from a crash course, others require rewards and a bit more time.
2. Medical Issues
Your child may occasionally be unable to become potty trained due to a medical condition, despite your best efforts.
Consult your child’s pediatrician to determine whether any physical conditions, such as a small bladder capacity, poor muscular control, pain from constipation, or recurrent urinary tract infections, may be causing their toilet issues.
3. For Toilet Phobia
When it’s time to quit using diapers, your child can be especially resistive if they appear afraid of the toilet or are reluctant to use a potty.
Reassure your youngster that using the bathroom is a common aspect of growing up while you talk to them about their anxieties.
If the problem continues, consult your pediatrician to determine whether further professional action may be required to resolve it.
4. Use breathing exercises
Antibiotics or stool softeners can often be used to treat pain when using the restroom owing to medical conditions. However, even if the issue is corrected, your youngster might recall how painful it was and develop a fear.
Teach them some deep breathing exercises to help them get through this. Ask them to practice inhaling and exhaling through their nose while counting to five. They should be able to unwind and leave as a result of this.
5. Make sure the toilet is cozy
Sadly, not every toilet and training seat is made equal. Make sure your youngster enjoys using the potty and finds it comfortable. Maybe let them select their bathroom and even choose the baby stool they want.
6. For strong-willed children; Give them the reins
Tell them they will pee and poop daily and that it’s their responsibility to flush the toilet. Make them aware that they are an older child and do not require your assistance. They won’t have anything to contend with and will feel in charge.
7. Include fruits and vegetables
A painful constipation experience may make them resistant to using the toilet again.
When Do I Need To Be Concerned About My Child’s Potty Training
If your child has not been potty trained before the age of four, especially after starting school, accidents can be distressing and humiliating for them, affecting their confidence and well-being. It’s important to seek support from their pediatrician.
Don’t hesitate to ask your child’s healthcare provider for advice if you suspect a psychological or physical issue may be contributing to their delayed potty training.
To determine the cause, they will inquire about your child’s bladder habits and potty training history, conduct a physical examination, and possibly perform some laboratory tests.
Based on your child’s circumstances, their healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan after the diagnosis.
Potty Training Regression
Potty training regression is a common experience for children learning to use the toilet, even if they initially had success with potty training. However, there are many ways to overcome it. A significant life event, such as the birth of a new sibling, a divorce, or a natural disaster, may hinder your child’s progress with potty training.
Changes like illness, travel, a new teacher or classroom at school or daycare, or a change in routine can also cause setbacks in potty training. It’s important to remember that your child may still need your assistance and to remain positive and encouraging throughout the process.
If you think your child’s regression may be due to life circumstances, consider how you can provide support to help them regain confidence. Avoid reprimanding or expressing disappointment when your child makes mistakes, as the stress of the situation is already enough to cause regression.
Instead, focus on providing support, smiles, and encouragement to help your child overcome their setback.
Finally
It’s understandable to feel frustrated when your child takes a while to become fully potty trained, but it’s important to remember that they will eventually get the hang of it and stop wearing diapers.
Have faith in your child’s ability to become fully potty trained one day. Be patient, show them tolerance, and provide the support they need to develop this important life skill.
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