How can I get my 3 yr old dd to start going to the potty again?

Question

My daughter just turned 3 two weeks ago, and was well on her way to being toilet trained. She was doing fabulous for those two weeks going pee (and letting us know she had to go), but had (and has) hesitations going p**p. Something about not wanting to let go of a piece of her, so I've heard. Anyway, over the frustration of not wanting to go p**p, she has since reverted to peeing on herself again and refusing to go to the bathroom when asked. It's been two days since she's peed on the toilet, and I'm getting sick of urine-soaked clothes...again. I can't trust her to leave the house! What gives?

Answer 1

I've heard that boys are harder then girls to train. I have a 3 yr old boy that is fully trained, and a best friends who 3yr old girl is not. He wanted to go potty like daddy, so he was easy. He's VERY boy so he liked the sound of p**p hitting the water :)* I told him that it was ok to have accedes sometimes but he had to tell us when he had to go. Have you tried something like a prize? Gum a small amount of candy (ex. like a mini bag of m&m's)? I hope everything works out for u. Good luck!

Answer 2

I had the some of the same experiences with my youngest daughter at around the same age. She was potty trained and then reverted back. A lot of times it has to do with some insecurity she is feeling.(It has nothing to do with something you have or have not done.) Try giving her a choice on whether she wants to be a "big girl" and wear big girl panties or a diaper.(I know it's hard to go back to but it's a lot easier to change then cleaning clothes and what ever else she urinates on)Letting her make the decision puts her back in some control of herself and support her decisions and this  will hopefully clear things up quickly. I would not suggest she clean her own mess as I feel this will may bring shame and embarrassment to her.

Answer 3

She is only 3.  there are many things that could be going on in her mind.  talk to her calmly and ask her if something different happened.  I would be very wary of punishing her for this.  Many times, children sense a change in their situation and revert to previous developmental stages.  Any new family member? Any future happenings that she knows of? could she be having a urinary tract infection?

I am hoping this is not the case but children who have been molested tend to have this kind of problem.  Ask your daughter very carefully if she has been touched inappropriately

Be patient and caring towards your daughter.  This will go a long way towards her regaining control of her bodily functions.

Good luck on this.  I know it is frustrating but she is only a little girl.

Answer 4

First, make sure she understands what exactly going to the bathroom is. She's only 3, and it's common for setbacks and accidents to occur. Make sure when accidents do happen, that you include her in the process of cleaning up. Showing her how to clean up after herself will build up her autonomy, and she'll feel more confident about using the toilet, and don't be stingy with the verbal praise.