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By Stephen Beech
One in five parents struggles with toilet training their toddler, reveals new research.
They say their child suffered “potty anxiety” during the landmark process.
A similar number said toilet training was harder than they expected.
A poll of 820 American moms and dads of children aged one- to six years old revealed the challenges and anxieties many families face during the major developmental milestone.
The University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health shows that it can be a bumpy ride for many.
Poll co-director Dr. Susan Woolford said: “Learning to use the toilet is a major step in a young child’s development and requires time, patience, and consistency.
“Our report demonstrates that parents are approaching potty training thoughtfully but for many families and their kids, the process often includes setbacks, frustrations, and moments of uncertainty.”
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The survey found that more than half of parents started potty training around the age of two.
But 21% began earlier, while another 22% waited until age three.
Most felt they chose the right time, but a minority said they may have started too early or too late.
Parents factored in a variety of reasons before starting potty training.
Some needed their child to be out of nappies to enter daycare or preschool.
Other parents were motivated by the cost of diapers, with one in five stating that financial burden played a role in the decision.
Dr. Woolford, a pediatrician at the University of Michigan, said, “Waiting until a child is truly ready can make the process smoother for everyone.
“Pushing it too soon often leads to frustration and delays.
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“But some families don’t have the flexibility to wait.”
She says readiness signs can include staying dry for longer periods, showing interest in the bathroom, following simple instructions, and being able to help dress or undress themselves.
Dr. Woolford says some children may also hide when they need to go or start mimicking adult bathroom behavior.
Among parents who reported difficulty toilet training their toddler, the most common challenges included a child’s refusal to cooperate, busy family schedules, coordination between home and daycare, and household disruptions.
Dr. Woolford says some of the reasons children may resist include fear of flushing noises and discomfort with adult-sized toilets.
Even once progress is made, regression is common, with a third of parents saying their child seemed toilet-trained, but then took a step back.
Dr. Woolford said, “Potty training isn’t always a straight path.
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“Understanding that it’s a gradual process can help parents stay patient.
“Setbacks are normal, particularly when there are stressful events in the child’s life, such as a new sibling or a move to a new home.”
Parents use different ways to support their child during potty training.
The survey found common ones included taking their child to the toilet regularly, offering small rewards, letting their child go nappy-free during the day, or turning the process into a game or something fun.
For children with high potty anxiety, Dr. Woolford recommends turning the bathroom into a pressure-free zone where they can read books or play songs that help them feel relaxed.
She said simple tools such as sticker charts, potty-only toys, and consistent routines can also go a long way as well as using a child-sized potty to help kids feel more secure.
Dr. Woolford added, “Regardless of the method, the most important things are consistency, encouragement, and keeping the experience as low-pressure and supportive as possible.
“If a child continues to struggle, especially if there’s pain, withholding, or ongoing anxiety, parents should talk to their paediatrician for guidance and support.”