Causes of Potty Training Regression: The Arrival of a New Sibling
Posted On: 1/31/2009
The arrival of a new baby brother or sister can trigger potty training regression in your toddler. Learn how to help your child achieve potty training success and overcome regression.
Parents often wait until their toddler is fully potty trained before trying to have a second child. It makes sense. Having two children in diapers at the same time can be challenging to say the least. Sometimes, though, a toddler who is fully potty trained will regress when the new sibbling arrives. Parents are often discouraged when their toddler wets the bed at night, has frequent accidents, or even refuses to use the potty.
Why do toddlers regress when a new baby arrives? Older siblings are always affected by the arrival of a new sibling. The stress your toddler feels is often acted out in attempts to regain the full attention of the parents. Bad behavior is one way a child can garner attention from his parents. Your toddler may refuse to eat his breakfast. He may cry or hit. And he may refuse to use the potty. While parents my feel their child is conspiring to make an already stressful time for the family into a full blown nightmare, this is not the case. The reaction is psychological and not cause for alarm, but you should adress the problem as soon as possible.
First and foremost, talk to your child. Begin explaining to your toddler that a new baby will be arriving soon. And one your new bundle of joy arrives, explain how much you still love your child and be sure to continue to give your toddler lots of attention and support.
Keep your child's basic potty training routine the same. If you were in the habit of taking your child to the potty at certain times of the day, stick to that schedule. You might also considering reinstituting a rewards system even though your toddler was fully potty trained before the new sibling's arrival.
Be easy on your toddler. Just like you did when you were training the first time, be encouraging, enthusiastic, and upbeat. Your toddler will easily be able to sense your frustrations, and any negative feelings your child associates with potty training will only create more obstacles.
Sometimes love and encouragement just aren't enough. If your child has difficulty getting back on track despite your best efforts, consult your pediatrician or ask a friend or family member who has gone through similar experiences. Sometimes a fresh perspective can help your child get back on track and overcome potty training regression.