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(Photo by Elina Fairytale via Pexels)<\/p>\n
By Stephen Beech<\/p>\n
One in five parents struggles with toilet training their toddler, reveals new research.<\/p>\n
They say their child suffered “potty anxiety” during the landmark process.<\/p>\n
A similar number said toilet training was harder than they expected.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children\u2019s Hospital National Poll<\/a> on Children\u2019s Health shows that it can be a bumpy ride for many.<\/p>\n Poll co-director Dr. Susan Woolford said: \u201cLearning to use the toilet is a major step in a young child\u2019s development and requires time, patience, and consistency.<\/p>\n \u201cOur report demonstrates that parents are approaching potty training<\/a> thoughtfully but for many families and their kids, the process often includes setbacks, frustrations, and moments of uncertainty.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniel K Cheung<\/p>\n By Talker<\/p>\n The survey found that more than half of parents started potty training around the age of two.<\/p>\n But 21% began earlier, while another 22% waited until age three.<\/p>\n Most felt they chose the right time, but a minority said they may have started too early or too late.<\/p>\n Parents factored in a variety of reasons before starting potty training.<\/p>\n Some needed their child to be out of nappies to enter daycare or preschool.<\/p>\n Other parents were motivated by the cost of diapers, with one in five stating that financial burden played a role in the decision.<\/p>\n Dr. Woolford, a pediatrician at the University of Michigan<\/a>, said, \u201cWaiting until a child is truly ready can make the process smoother for everyone.<\/p>\n \u201cPushing it too soon often leads to frustration and delays.<\/p>\n (Photo by Pixabay via Pexels)<\/p>\n By Talker<\/p>\n “But some families don\u2019t have the flexibility to wait.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Dr. Woolford says some children may also hide when they need to go or start mimicking adult bathroom behavior.<\/p>\n Among parents who reported difficulty<\/a> toilet training their toddler, the most common challenges included a child\u2019s refusal to cooperate, busy family schedules, coordination between home and daycare, and household disruptions.<\/p>\n Dr. Woolford says some of the reasons children may resist include fear of flushing noises and discomfort with adult-sized toilets.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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