Im Not Sure What to Do. Bathroom Issues.

Updated on June 07, 2010
B.C. asks from Twentynine Palms, CA
7 answers

My son has been potty trained for a while. He always lets me know when he has to use the bathroom.
Recently Donald got into this weird thing now where he will not use the toilet. :( Its really embarrassing because he will go in his pants now. I feel so bad.
Its like Hes going backwards now.
Does anyone have this problem or tips on how I can fix this?
I'm desperate.

please and thank you.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thank you guys so much for your advice. :)

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Does he have any stress? Any problems? Any changes in his life? Any issues with school/friends/teachers/adults?

Usually "regression" in a child is an indication of 'stress' or of them being unable to 'cope' with something. It is emotion based.

Or, it can be a medical problem, like constipation and/or "encopresis." (look it up online). Or a bladder/urinary infection.
These things are involuntary. They cannot control it.

Try talking with him..... just in a comforting way... and see if anything is bothering him... etc.
But the main thing is don't make him feel 'weird' about it or that he is upsetting you. Because a kid, doesn't do it because it is fun or that they like it.

Try taking him to the Doctor as well, to rule anything out.

But I would... see if there is anything, in his life, that perhaps causing it.

take care and all the best,
Susan

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Without knowing how old he is, I can't give too much specific advice. It's very common for kids to regress for many reasons, and certainly fear of toilets is a common issue. Usually this is about either the sound or the possibility he would "fall in". Again, I don't know his age, but under 5 or so, this is still a concern for little people!
Let him go back to using a potty chair if need be, or even put him in Pullups for a while to give you both time to work on his fears. If you need more advice on how to do that, I strongly suggest you ask his pediatrician for a referral for a counselor. You want to handle this gently without making it worse.
No matter what, never get angry or outwardly upset- instead just keep reassuring him that this will be ok, and you're going to work together to help him not be scared.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from San Diego on

Hi B.,many moms may tell you this is normal! wheater normal or not I won't say, had 3 and once potty trained (before age 2) they were potty trained.
They may even mentioned accidents, if a child makes no effort to get to the bathroom that is delibrate and not an accident, this is where many parents go wrong. I know you young moms don't like to hear the word discipline, but with consequences there is no reason your child will see, to stay dry and clean.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

My son did this too. I started using a Positive Reinforcement Chart. He got a sticker for every day that he stayed dry. After 10 stickers he got a treat or present. I did this for a couple of months and it cured the problem.

Maybe try this as well? Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi there,
I have a great on-line potty traing book that I can forward to you. I 'm not sure if it covers there subject of needing to be re-trained, but the book does talk about what the child goes through. Email me at ____@____.com and I'll forward it to you (and anyone else who might need it).
Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from San Diego on

The exact same thing happened w/my 26-month-olds. I bought pull-ups for when we're out & figured they'd come around again when they're ready.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from San Diego on

Hello, It is perfectly normal for a child to slide back into having "accidents" after being potty trained. Many kids do it. Is he still in training pants? If so, you could try putting him "big boy" pants. Not only will he like being in them, he will also NOT like the feel of the urine running down his legs. At least that has been my experience. I never used training pants, we went right into the big boy ones.
Good luck with your precious son.
K. K.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions