Toddler Troubleshooter

Toilet Training Adventures: Why Do They Resist Going to the Bathroom?

• Jenefer Neale MSc. • Season 1 • Episode 2

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Ever found yourself locked in a standoff with a toddler who treats the potty like it's lava? I've been there, laughing and learning through the trials of toilet training my own little one. This episode is all about those unexpected twists and what they taught me about the magic of offering choices. Discover how a sprinkle of autonomy can turn your child's "No way!" into "Okay!" as I share practical tips for phrasing options that resonate with toddlers. You'll hear about the hilarious escapades that led to my revelation and how these strategies can ease the potty training process for you and your tot.

Wrapping up with a heartfelt celebration of our parenting community's strength and growth, this session is a reminder that we're all in this together. By subscribing and joining our social platforms, you become a part of a vibrant support system full of resources to lean on during the rollercoaster ride of raising toddlers. And don't forget, your voice matters in our collective journey—suggest topics that hit home for you, and let's keep the conversation going. Embrace the chaos, the chuckles, and the charming milestones as we navigate parenting side by side, transforming each daunting task into an opportunity for laughter and learning.

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Jenefer:

Welcome to the Toddler Troubleshooter. Hello Sage Sprout's parents, I'm your host, Jenefer. As a parent of a toddler, and with over 20 years of experience working with young children, I'm excited to share my tools for troubleshooting your toddler. In each brief podcast, we'll explore the different challenges that arise in toddlerhood and I'll provide you detailed troubleshooting strategies Drawing from my extensive background. You'll not only gain practical tools, but you'll also discover how to make this journey enjoyable for both you and your little one. Toddlers are an adventure. From toilet training to transitions, our little ones love to take charge. I will arm you with the Sage Sprout strategy to troubleshoot and modify your approach as challenges arise. So if you're ready to troubleshoot your toddler and transform toddlerhood into a positive and manageable experience, let's get started.

Jenefer:

Welcome back to Toilet Training Adventures, where we navigate the twists and turns of the toilet training journey. Today, we're delving into a question that might resonate with many parents why do they resist going to the bathroom A puzzling scenario during the toilet training adventure. In our previous episode, we explored the early steps of the journey, celebrated small victories and tackled introducing our little one to the bathroom. Today's episode is for those parents who have started the journey but are facing a peculiar challenge that leaves many parents scratching their heads. How many of you have experienced the bathroom chase or heard the howls of I don't have to pee as you watch pee dribbling down their leg, ealing with toddlers who resist or run away? During bathroom transitions can be tricky, but there are effective ways to handle this common challenge. When your little one tries to escape, it's important not to get frustrated. Instead, stay calm and try this practical strategy.

Jenefer:

I want to kick off by sharing a personal story that played a significant role in inspiring this podcast. See, a decade ago, when I was knee deep in toilet training sessions with other kids, the challenges were there, but they didn't hit home like they did last year when I toilet trained my own toddler, my own little sidekick. Transitioning from student to mischievous partner in the potty training saga brought a new level of antics running, hiding, turning bathroom time into a game. My serious approach Huh, he just laughed it off. Hand up to his game. Now some might think maybe he's not ready for toilet training yet my gut told me otherwise. I was ready and I knew he was too. The light bulb moment struck during a classic chase, with my husband trying to catch our giggling naked explorer. Time to pull out the big guns, my trusty behavior strategies. For him, the present moment trumped all and we needed to help him understand that a quick bathroom pit stop meant a faster return to play. Our toilet training adventure took a significant turn when I made a slight adjustment to my language and shifted my perspective, allowing my child more control. This shift proved to be a game changer, resulting in increased willingness and enthusiastic participation from my child.

Jenefer:

Today's tip offering choices. Let's talk about the superhero power of choices for a minute. Offering choices is a parenting game changer because it taps into our little ones need for control and independence. When kids get to decide, it sparks a sense of autonomy. The magic doesn't stop at the choice itself. The act of choosing fosters engagement and cooperation. Researchers even found out that meaningful choices unleash a wave of motivation and engagement in our little learners. This isn't just about toilet training. It's a parenting superpower that transforms challenges into a delightful and collaborative moment. If your little one is like mine, offering choices can be the golden ticket.

Jenefer:

My guy was aiming for control and the only choices being offered to him were go or not go. Still to this day, choice is the most powerful tool I use. When it's time to use the toilet, I will say big toilet or little toilet, and if he doesn't make a choice, I'll say okay, let's go to the big toilet and immediately he will run to the little toilet and pee. If, like me, it feels like you're constantly pushing your toddler to use the bathroom, try giving them choices. Find a balance by not overwhelming them with too many options or words, but acknowledge their growing independence. Offering simple choices respects their independence and helps get things done. This is the key part of the Sage's Road strategy. To make it more practical, I'll provide you with some clear examples on how to express these choices effectively.

Jenefer:

Phrasing these options is crucial when offering choices to toddlers. Let's break it down with practical examples of language that resonates well with them. Instead of asking do you want to go to the bathroom or do you have to pee, try. We are going to the bathroom. Do you want to walk there or fly there, or we need to use the bathroom now? Do you want the lights on or off? Make sure to have a playful voice and have the choices sound super fun and important. You could also tag team with your partner and say Bathroom time. Do you want to go with mom or dad. I also like the novel inquiry we are going pee now. Should the tap be running or off? Lastly, you can empower their strength. Let's go. Do you want to climb up to the toilet by yourself today, or get some help?

Jenefer:

By phrasing choices in a clear and direct manner, you're empowering your toddler to make decisions and fostering a positive experience in the toilet trading journey. But note not once did I ask if they have to go pee. I recommend phrasing the choice in such a way that it is clear you are going there, but they can choose the details. So say we are going pee, do you want to? And then use one of the recommendations. I prefer not to ask toddlers do you have to pee? In my experience, the answer is always no.

Jenefer:

By saying let's go, you're not only facilitating a smoother experience, but also setting the stage for positive reinforcement. They went with you, therefore, they can be reinforced. You might wonder what if they don't have to pee, though? This is okay. The goal is for them to go with you and try. That is what you are praising them for.

Jenefer:

If you would like a list of these examples and other free resources, head on over to my website, sagesproutsparentpodcom. Remember, patience is key. Coddlers are curious and testing boundaries, so it's normal for them to run away or stand firm and not want to go sometimes. Stay calm, use these simple tricks and soon bathroom transitions will become much easier for both you and your little one. We've covered some valuable insights today, haven't we Now to ensure we've answered the question why do they resist going to the bathroom? It could be they are trying to regain some sense of independence, so let's give it back to them with choices.

Jenefer:

Stay tuned for future episodes where we cover how to communicate more effectively and some helpful tips on how to use praise and rewards effectively to keep up your momentum. Every child is unique, so adapt these strategies to fit your little one's personality. You're doing an amazing job and your dedication as parents shines brightly. Thank you for being here with us today. Until next time, happy parenting and happy toilet training. Thanks for joining us on Toddler Troubleshooter.

Jenefer:

That's a wrap for today's episode. Thank you so much for tuning in and being part of our parenting community. If you found value in today's discussion, don't forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode. I'm Jennifer, a parent coach and fellow mom navigating the joys and trials of toddler life along with you. To hear more about my journey and get access to more tips and tricks, follow me on Instagram at Sage Sprouts underscore parent pod or find us on Facebook at Sage Sprouts parent pod. Look forward to seeing you in the pod. Remember, parenting is a journey we navigate together and your support means the world to us. If you have any topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes, feel free to reach out through social media or through our website, sage Sprouts parent pod dot com. Stay tuned for our next episode. Until then, take care and may your parenting journey be filled with joy and laughter. See you next episode.