All children, especially toddlers, have stubborn streaks. Still, a stubborn attitude when potty training makes teaching your child to use the toilet especially difficult. If your child is showing resistance to potty training, use a variety of different techniques and tips to evade your child's stubbornness. Remember, most children are potty trained between 18 months and 3 years old, and eventually potty training will occur.
Timing
If your child is under the age of 3 and you continually meet resistance and stubbornness, stop potty training for several weeks. Do not continue to force you child to go through training. It will only make him react negatively to the idea of using the toilet. Wait for a small time period and try again.
Positive Attitude
Always use a positive attitude when potty training. Remember to praise your child even if an accident occurs. Never use negative language or punishment during the potty training process. Do not react or give too much attention to your child's stubbornness.
Incentive Program
Set up an incentive program. Use a sticker chart or give small prizes or pieces of candy when your child attempts to use the toilet. Leave the candies visible on a top shelf in the bathroom and only give treats when she makes an attempt to use the toilet.
When to Begin
Do not begin potty training during a stressful time, such as switching child-care providers, moving or the arrival of a new sibling. Choose a time when things are on a regular schedule in your home.
Delay Training
Delay potty training; do not feel because some children are potty trained before the age of 2 that your child must also fit this statistic. Know it is OK to start potty training at a later stage, suggests wonderbaby.org. Look for signs your child is ready to potty train, including showing independence from parents, telling you when she needs to use the bathroom and showing an interest in using the toilet and "big kid" underwear.
Use Props
Use a doll or teddy bear and allow your child to "train" it to use the bathroom, suggests wonderbaby.org. Practice with a doll that urinates or has a pretend bowel movement so your child associates drinking and eating with using the toilet.
Leave Diapers On
Allow your child to keep a wet diaper on slightly longer to associate the uncomfortable feeling with a wet or dirty diaper. Children may begin requesting diaper changes and, in turn, requesting to use the toilet.
Color Game
Play a game when potty training to make the process fun. Add a few drops of blue food coloring into the toilet. Tell your child that when he urinates in the toilet, the water will magically change to green.
