When Regressions Come Creeping In: A Personal Journey and Practical Tips
Potty training is often described as one of the most challenging milestones of early childhood, filled with ups, downs, and plenty of accidents. As a pelvic floor therapist—and a mom—I’ve experienced the highs and lows of potty training firsthand. This is the story of how my daughter, Emelia, tackled potty training not once, but twice, and the lessons I learned along the way.
The Early Potty Training Win
Emelia surprised us all by expressing interest in the potty just before her second birthday. This was earlier than most children typically show readiness, which usually falls between ages 2 and 4. One day, she looked at me and said, “I peepee in potty?” In disbelief, I placed her on the toilet, expecting a familiar waiting game. But to my amazement, she did it!
We celebrated with cheers, and the next day we stayed home to reinforce this new skill. Emelia went accident-free, and I remember thinking, What’s all the fuss about potty training? This is easy!
Spoiler alert: I spoke too soon.
Regression Strikes
Two months later, we welcomed Emelia’s baby brother into the world, and life changed dramatically. With such a big transition, I anticipated some setbacks. Sure enough, we faced the double whammy: sleep regression and potty training regression.
With a newborn in tow, I had to prioritize my mental health. Despite good intentions from family urging us to get Emelia back on track, I knew I wasn’t in a position to push potty training again just yet. So, we decided to pause and revisit when the time felt right.
And that’s okay. Parenting is about finding what works best for your family—not meeting arbitrary timelines.
The Road Back to Potty Training
When I was around five months postpartum, Emelia began showing signs of readiness to try potty training again. This time, I approached it with the lessons I’ve learned as a parent and a pelvic floor therapist. Here are my top three tips for navigating potty training regressions:
1. Look for Signs of Readiness
Children will naturally show interest in potty training when they’re ready. Common signs include:
Interest in the potty
Staying dry for more than two hours
Managing clothing independently
Noticing when their pull-up or diaper is wet
Communicating the need to go
Willingness to interrupt activities to use the potty
2. Be Consistent
There’s no one-size-fits-all method for potty training, but consistency is key. Stick to your chosen approach—whether that’s using rewards, specific language, or structured schedules. Repetition helps reinforce habits and build confidence.
3. Seek Support When Needed
If you’ve tried everything and your child still struggles, consider consulting a pelvic floor therapist. Sometimes potty training challenges stem from underlying issues like sensory processing, coordination, or musculoskeletal concerns—not just behavior. As a therapist, I can help identify and address these barriers to success.
Emelia’s Success Story
Once Emelia was ready again, we committed to consistency. Within a few days, she was down to just one bladder incident per day. Two weeks later, she was fully potty trained again. By honoring her readiness and maintaining a steady approach, we avoided unnecessary frustration and made the process smoother for both of us.
Today, Emelia is a confident potty pro—and your child can be, too.
A Final Note
Every child is different, and potty training doesn’t follow a strict timeline. If you’re navigating regressions or feeling stuck, remember: it’s okay to pause, reassess, and seek support when needed. Your child’s journey is unique, and so is yours as a parent.
Wishing you patience, perseverance, and lots of celebrations in your potty training adventures. If you need guidance or have questions, I’m here to help!
Looking for more tips or support? Contact us at The Perinatal Pelvis to learn how pelvic floor therapy can support your child’s potty training journey.
