If you have a 3-year-old girl, you likely have started training the child to use the toilet by herself. Some parents start potty training as young as 18 months while others put it off until 3 years of age. There are some common problems you will likely encounter while potty training a 3-year-old girl.
Refusal
Your girl might refuse to use the toilet and tell you "no" when you suggest using the toilet. Never fight with your child about potty training because it is likely to become a battle of wills. Instead, try to encourage her to use the toilet by setting up a reward chart and giving her a sticker each time she uses it.
Won't Go in Public Toilets
Your 3-year-old might have become accustomed to a certain routine when using the toilet, so it might be difficult for her to use the toilet in a public restroom, day care center or preschool. She might not be used to a larger toilet. You might benefit from bringing a portable potty seat for her to use in these situations.
Recurrence of Accidents
Your daughter might have already been potty-trained and has gone for weeks without any accidents. However, small and big changes in the child's life can cause accidents to occur. She might be thrown off by a new baby at home, starting preschool or another lifestyle change. If she does have an accident, keep your cool and never punish because that can set her back even more. You should again try incentives for her to use the toilet. According to the Baby Center website, you might need to return to diapers for a few weeks until she is ready to try going on the toilet again.
Lack of Interest
By three years of age, the potty's lack of novelty might have worn off for your daughter. She might feel bored sitting and cry or act out when you ask her to go. You might need to bring in some props to encourage her to sit on the potty again. While having her sit on the potty, you can read toilet-themed stories to her. Some book examples include "The Potty Book for Girls" and "Dora's Potty Book." You can also have her favorite doll or stuffed animal sit on the potty and pretend that it goes to the potty as well.
