Successful potty training is a monumental event in the lives of a toddler and her parents, and growing out of diapers--as well as the additional expense involved--is a significant milestone. Many parents become frustrated when, after weeks or months of being successfully potty trained, their toddler is suddenly having problems. Developing setbacks after being toilet trained is a normal and common occurrence in the lives of many toddlers.
Regression
A child who is potty trained and has been successfully wearing underwear may suddenly begin having accidents. This is known as regression, and frequently occurs among toddlers when stress or significant changes happen. Potty training is a major event--one that teaches a child a skill that will be used for life. This is a lot of pressure for a young child who is sensitive to family changes and regressing may sometimes be the only feeling of control a toddler has.
Changes
When bringing home a new sibling, your toddler may feel jealous and may revert back to wanting diapers to get the same attention as the new baby. Other stressful events can cause a change in a toddler's routine. Events such as starting preschool, a change of jobs for a parent, a marital separation, new home or anything else that alters a toddler's regular schedule can make him regress in potty training.
Illness
If your toddler was successfully potty training and suddenly developed problems, consider the possibility of a physical complaint. A child who does not feel well can become irritable or fussy, or he may avoid using the potty as his only method of control in a situation where he does not feel well. Some infections, such as a urinary tract infection or diarrhea will make a toddler avoid the potty at all costs in order to escape discomfort related to these illnesses.
Bowel Movements
Many children are successfully potty trained to urinate, but having a bowel movement may present other problems. Some kids prefer the comfort of a diaper for having a bowel movement, and many little boys may have trouble transitioning from standing to urinate to sitting on a toilet. If a child becomes constipated---sometimes caused by resisting having a bowel movement on the toilet---he may have pain with defecating, which becomes associated with using the potty.
Considerations
The University of Missouri Extension suggests several ideas for parents to use when their child is toilet training and continuing to manage accidents. Remain calm and do not criticize or harshly punish accidents, or a child may associate the negative response with potty training. Try to keep a toddler on a schedule, taking him to the potty the same time each day so that it becomes part of his regular routine. Calmly respond to accidents and have a child help clean up his clothes or the bathroom. If he needs to return to wearing diapers again, remember that eventually he will overcome this phase and go back to using the toilet.
