{"id":1744,"date":"2023-08-31T14:49:16","date_gmt":"2023-08-31T14:49:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leonpsychology.ca\/?p=1744"},"modified":"2026-05-06T11:59:42","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T11:59:42","slug":"troubleshooting-potty-training-issues-5-common-problems-and-how-to-address-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leonpsychology.ca\/en\/troubleshooting-potty-training-issues-5-common-problems-and-how-to-address-them\/","title":{"rendered":"TROUBLESHOOTING POTTY TRAINING ISSUES: 5 COMMON PROBLEMS AND HOW TO ADDRESS THEM"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Potty training can be very easy but only if your child is ready!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children differ in how fast they walk and talk and same goes for potty training<\/strong>. Some children are ready to potty train earlier than others; some can be potty trained before 2 years of age some after 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When children are ready and parents are consistent, most children can be daytime potty trained within a week or two. For other children, it can take longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article we will cover common issues that arise during potty training and discuss how to address them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fears<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Toddlers can have unusual fears<\/strong> that don\u2019t make sense to adults. When it comes to toilet training, a common one is a fear of falling in the toilet. This fear can be easily addressed by offering a child seat or potty before graduating to a regular toilet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other fears don\u2019t have such a practical solution, such as being afraid that something will come out of the toilet, being worried about their poop leaving (separation fear), and fear of pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your child appears resistant about sitting on a toilet, ask them whether they are afraid. Allow your child to express that fear and ask questions in a non-judgemental way<\/strong> to better understand it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can provide feedback and information at whether their fear is valid, but make sure not to trivialize or laugh away their fear. If this is impeding their potty training, it is clearly something that they think is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the fear is related to pain, then your child might be experiencing some level of constipation or diarrhea. In some instances, children might remember and be afraid to experience it again. In this case, you can validate the experience and reassure them that the pain will not happen every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children with a more anxious temperament might not be as easily reassured or comforted when fears are addressed. Be patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Withholding and Constipation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Withholding<\/strong> is the conscious effort to prevent a bowel movement. Some children withhold due to fear, not being ready or needing a sense of control. Children with neurodevelopmental differences are also more likely to experience difficulties with witholding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It comes to no surprise that frequent withholding leads to constipation<\/strong> due to the child learning to ignore their body\u2019s signals and because stagnant stool leads to blockages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequent constipation often causes pain<\/strong> when the child finally does have a bowel movement, in turn increasing their avoidance of bowel movements. Signs your child is constipated include decreased appetite, small hard stools<\/a>, and expressions of pain during a bowel movement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This vicious cycle can be broken by increasing the body\u2019s signals and reducing the likelihood of constipation through dietary changes<\/strong>. Here are a few basic suggestions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n