Potty Training Accidents

When your potty training your child, it is perfectly reasonable to expect a certain number of  accidents.

When your child doesn’t make it to the toilet on time, it is a good idea to leave them in their wet or sticky underwear, but only for a minute or two.

You do not want to punish them for their accident, but you do want them to experience (and therefore learn) the difference between being dry and being dirty.

Again, potty training accidents are no reason to make your child feel bad, or rub their mistake in their face. Speak to your child firmly and let them know that what has occurred is something you are working together to avoid. Repeat your expectations (that you do not wish to have any potty training accidents) and make sure they understand, but never use a mean or derogatory tone. This will only lead to hurt feelings at best and rebellion at worst.

Try phrasing your lesson in a manner such as this: “Uh oh! You went #1/#2 in your underwear. Now you’re wet. I’m sure that can’t feel good (shaking your head). That’s why you’re supposed to go in the potty! Okay, let’s go and get you cleaned up and try not to have any more accidents!”

After a minute or so, ask your child to tell you where they are supposed to go to the potty. Ask them to repeat the phrase, “No more accidents!” We all learn well through repetition.

Allow your child to provide the appropriate response, take advantage of the teachable moment, and then move on with your day without discussing the potty training accident any further. Unless of course another toilet training accident does occur, at which point you should repeat the above procedure.

And always remember to keep your patience in check. Potty training is a process, not an event.

Potty Training Power…AWAY!!!