What To Do When Your Child Has A Potty Accident

What do you want people to say when you make a mistake? "Why did you do that you know better" "That's it lady, no birthday party for you!." "I told you that would happen!". Blame and humiliations are counterproductive in potty training. Negative emotions discourage future success and prevent your child from finding a better alternative. Your child needs you as a supportive parent who is keeping her focused on her goal. You want your child to be a potty pro, resourceful when faced with the unexpected, motivated despite obstacles, and adaptable in perfect conditions.


Check you emotions before you speak or act. You may be tired, discourage, frustrated, angry, confused, desperate, worried, and just plain overwhelmed. It's okay you're normal. Hold that thought and call your potty support friend later. You've entitled to complain and scream a little, just not at your child. You child cannot and will not learn while you're in an emotional state.


State the situation in neutral terms for your child. Simply describe what happen. For example, if you're out shopping and see your child standing in a puddle with a nervous look on her face, you can say " didn't know you needed to use potty". This helps your child focus on what happen instead of any negative emotions. Keep in mind, your child literally may not know "what just happen". She hasn't processed it yet. she's wet, physically uncomfortable, possibly embarrassed, and is wishing she could close her eyes and make it all go away.


Find a solution. Problem solving aloud helps your child become a problem solver too. "Lets find a bathroom where we can change you clothes". Not to worry, I always bring extra clothes for you just in case you need them". Or, "We don't have extra clothes with us today. That's ok, we'll dive home to get some." Sometimes, even the all-wise, all knowing parent has no idea what to do. Here's your chance to be truly great role model. When in doubt, stall. Just say, Hmmm, i wonder what we should do now?" Let the world stop around you until you think of something.


Be positive. Leave your child with the hope that she can be successful. Let her know you are confident that she will succeed, too. Laughter is also powerful medicine for mistake, just be sure you are laughing with, not at your child.