My daughter has been potty trained since she was three, but recently she has been refusing the "hints" that it might be time to go to the bathroom, even when she is wiggling so much she can't sit. I know that this age has a lot of "no" attached to it, but I'm worried that she's injuring herself by not going a little earlier. I'm thinking of making three "must go" times, when she gets up in the morning, before naps, and before bed.
Could it be that I am trying to get her to do everything herself now? I was trying to take turns with her on the wiping duties, but that seems to be making it worse. For instance, I'll ask her to try, so she sits on the potty for approximately 4.2 seconds and says, "Nothing's happening." If I remind her that his time it's my turn to wipe her, she lets loose Niagara Falls. I think we're beyond the holding it because we're "too interested in what we're currently doing" phase, because we've been working with the potty since she was born, and she knows that everyone uses the potty whenever they have to go. Just looking for a sanity check - you gals know what I mean....
It could have something to do with the wiping herself piece. I bought the Cottonelle flushable wipes for my kids. They pack sits on the back of the toilet. If you need to use them, you do...it could also be a germ thing. if she doesn't touch anything, she won't have to wash her hands...etc.
M.
If you are worried about urinary track infections, go easy on the bubble bath - it can irritate. If she's having trouble starting to pee, try turning the sink on for a few minutes. The sound of running water often gets the flow going. Have her drink more fluids, and regular times to try the potty are fine. Nothing wrong with a little cranberry tea (warm or cold) every now and then.
It's just her refusing to take care of it because you want her to. My daughter did the same thing at her age. She stopped when i stopped trying to control it. The only thing i say is if i see her wiggling and i know she has to go i say "Go to the bathroom" I don't get into how it hurts her body or give her excuses like i know your doing it because you don't want to stop playing. I just look at her and say "Go to the bathroom" and leave it at that. There is no reason for making her go to the bathroom when she doesn't want to. All your going to do is have her hold it just because of you making her. If her tummy starts hurting because of it i would tell her that. When her tummy hurts i tell my daughter. "You know why it hurts huh?, it's because your not going to the bathroom when you need to and your tummy isn't happy about it." I don't go any further than that. She will connect the dots herself. But I'm telling you the more you get involved the more she's not going to go when she knows you are paying attention. Good luck
Middle Child syndrome!!! She gets more of your attention when she does this and gets you to be concerned about her. She is controlling her body, in effect to control you. Don't forget, they are smarter than us and can manipulate us with a facial expression. If you ignore it, she will likely stop. She may wet herself a few times before she gives it up, though. Don't react, just go on with it as if there is no problem. Try setting aside a few five minute blocks during the day when you give her all of your attention. Converse with her, read a story, color a picture. Take the focus out of physical control and remind her that she can come to you to talk anytime she needs you.
If you are truly concerned that it is a physical problem, you might take her to the pediatrician and have her tested for a UTI. Best wishes!!
At first I thought you were referring to bowel movements and her not wanting to dirty herself in wiping, but you state "Niagra Falls", so this implies urination to me. Please be sure to have her pediatrician check her ASAP for a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is possible that your daughter anticipates the burning or pain of first urine release, and in trying to avoid it as long as possible, this is the reason for her "avoidance" issue. The flushable wipes are another good idea. We still use these as adults!
at our house we don't leave the house until my daughter goes potty. it's non-negotiable. it took a little while to set the rule up but once we did it has been very easy to continue. the mother who said that if you worry less about it she will go on her own may be right, as well. we've seen that at our house.
