It is inevitable that your child will have accidents when he or
she is being potty trained. Be supportive, even when your child
has not successfully used the toilet. With time, the accidents
should become fewer and fewer until your child is completely
potty trained and accidents are few and far between.

It’s been a long time since you were in diapers. Parents often
do not realize that their children have accidents simply
because they think differently. A child cannot plan ahead the
way adults do every day —how many times, for example, do you
jump in the car for a long trip with an older child and he or
she needs to stop for a restroom less then ten minutes into the
trip? Toddlers have an even shorter planning ability. They may
hold it, thinking they can wait to use the potty when their
television program or game is finished. Often, this is not the
case, and the result is an accident.

Your child may also simply not realize he or she needs to use
the potty. Even if your child has previously voiced the need to
go to the restroom, other activities, such as being engrossed in
play, can take your child’s mind off bodily needs. Ask you child
often if he or she needs to use the potty, just as you would ask
him or her to drink water on a hot day.

Be consistent with potty training rules as well to prevent
these accidents. Your child may be doing this on purpose to
gauge your reaction. Accidents should never result in
punishment, but be firm as to what your child can and cannot do
until he or she is potty trained. Regular accidents are not OK
if your child knows better and had previously been able to
control his or her bathroom actions.

However, if your child is having regular accidents and is upset
at this, consult your doctor. There may be medical reason as to
when potty training is becoming more difficult, and sometimes,
simple dietary changes can help you fix these problems. Most
children have accidents up to 6 months after successful toilet
training. If accidents continue, speak with your child about
the situation. If he or she is deliberately causing accidents,
you may wish to postpone potty training until he or she is more
mature. Punishment in these situations rarely works, but don’t
let your child use potty training as a way of getting
attention.

Accidents are normal. Although undesirable, remember to be
supportive of your child as he or she is trying to learn to use
the potty, even when they’re unsuccessful. Join an online
support group if you find this process especially stressful.
This, along with the multiple articles and tools for parents,
can help you learn more techniques for potty training more
quickly and avoiding accidents. Use accidents as a learning
tool. As your child progresses in the potty training process,
he or she will have fewer accidents. Don’t be surprised if your
child regresses after having made significant progress—potty
training takes time and support and is often a case of two
steps forward and one step back.