Dealing with Potty Training Resistance

Your child may give you a lot of resistance during the potty training process. It’s important to know that they’re not doing it out of spite; there’s a reason.

Your Child May Not be Ready
If your child is resisting potty training, it may be because he’s just not ready. Never force your child to cooperate. Simply go through the ten steps, each time using the same enthusiasm and excitement.

Your Child May Be Scared
Put yourself in your child’s shoes for a moment and think about the scariness of the prospect. Your child may be wondering, “Will I fall in? What happens if I fall in? Why does it make that noise when that button is pushed? What is that noise? Where does the stuff go? Will I get sucked down that hole if I sit on it?”

Your child may also have some “fear of loss” issues about leaving their pee or poop in the potty. Although it sounds crazy to adults, children don’t have our knowledge of the world, and at the same time have quite the imagination.

Here are a few tips to help children who have a fear of the potty:

• Explain the potty and how it works before making him sit on it.
• Demonstrate to your child how you use it.
• Talk to your child. Ask him why he doesn’t want to sit on the potty or use the potty. He may tell you what’s scaring him.
• Offer to hold your child while he sits on the potty.
• Give your child the option of using the toilet or the potty chair.
• Offer to play a CD or read a book that he enjoys.

For hands-on potty training help, register your child for a Potty Rockers™ class.

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