For many parents the potty training process is supposed to start the summer of your childs second year. This is a belief that many parents hold although it is certainly not the best method of beginning potty training. This belief, too, is probably the reason why so many parents have horror stories about potty training. They pressure their toddlers to potty train long before they are ready which gives rise to the child completely resisting potty training. So, what can parents do when their child is totally resisting potty training? Some of the answers are below and they may be a bit surprising.

Hand Over the Reigns
This may sound a little crazy, but if your child is totally resisting potty training then you need to hand over the reigns. That is correct, you need to stop trying to train your child to use the potty and forget about pressure and punishment. Let your toddler know that the potty is there waiting and it is only your childs so when he is ready he can give it a try on his own. Tell him you wont pressure or ask him to use the potty again, but when he feels like a big boy and wants to use the potty like mommy and daddy then the potty is ready and waiting.

Frequently letting your child be in charge of the potty training process is enough to get the training started and your child potty trained. While you are pressuring and forcing your child to use the potty you will likely see resistance and power struggles. Dont allow this to happen to you. Instead, simply back off for a few months and let your child take control.

Your Toddler is Not Ready
Another reason why toddlers resist potty training is because they simply are not ready. This is a hard pill to swallow for many parents who think all children are ready at the age of two no matter what. This is simply not the case and should be eliminated from all parents thoughts. When your child is ready to use the potty he will let you know so just take your cues on potty training from your child. You will find the process to go smoother and faster by doing this.

Final Thoughts
Resistance to potty training is normal and many children go through this. Just realize that when resistance to potty training occurs you need to completely back off and give your child a chance to regroup and decide on his own when he wants to use the potty. Be patient and never forceful, the time will come when your child is potty trained!

Posted in Potty Training

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