Potty training resistance:

Most children will have occasional accidents and will even refuse to use the potty. This is not considered potty training resistance, just normal behavior.

If your child is under the age of 3 and is resisting potty training or is showing potty training regression, stop the training for a few weeks or months. Give your child and yourself a breather. You will probably be able to cope better when you start again in a few months time.

If your child is older and is showing resistance it is likely that he or she has had an unpleasant experience connected with going to the toilet.

• It could be that your child is scared of sitting on the potty or toilet. Or maybe scared of the flushing sound of the toilet.

• Maybe the potty training was started too early or too quickly.

• Your child may have had a painful bowel movement which has alarmed them.

• Some children use potty training as a power struggle between them and their parents. They realise that they are in control and this is a new experience for them.

• Some children enjoy the negative attention they get when they have accidents or refuse to use the potty.

Try to find out what the problem is. That way you can try to make your child feel better about using the toilet.

Above all, never punish your child for having accidents, and avoid giving them attention, negative or otherwise, if they are not doing as you ask.

Encourage them to clean up as far as possible after themselves, but avoid arguments.

Stay calm and be as patient as you can! Always praise and reward your child when they do use the potty or the toilet. Use a potty training chart and plan a special treat for when they have completed it that your child can look forward to.

If you are concerned, consult your doctor. She may refer your child to a specialist if the problem persists.

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