Almost Three Year Old Regressing in Potty Training

I am the proud owner of 4 kids, 3 of whom are potty trained (Harry is just 2, so he's got some time). the regression is probably a combination of things. Going away for a week is a HUGE disruption, and little kids are creatures of habit. She just got into the swing of things at Gramma's house just in time to go back home again. And because you probably don't see your nephew much, and your mom doesn't see your little ones much, the babies probably did get a lot of attention. What I would do when these baby regressions reared their annoying little heads is indulge them to the point of annoyance on my kids part. So fine, you want diapers. Well, babies wear diapers, and babies can't play with hot wheels or Barbie, or what ever big kid toy they love to pieces at the moment. Fine, you want a bottle? Well, BABIES don't get cow milk, they get mommy milk or formula (formula fixes their wagon REAL quick, blech). it suddenly makes being a BIG KID so much more desirable...

Well, the first thing I would say is even if she insists, not to let her wear diapers. Maybe just say you don't have diapers that fit her. I think that if she goes back into diapers, it will just be an easy out for her to not even try. I wouldn't make a big deal out of accidents(don't get angry, don't scold), but maybe set the timer and have her go into the potty and try every half hour or hour. Eventually she will get back into the swing of things. I think if she wasn't already potty trained it would be a little different, but it seems like she just needs some big girl time. So, I would play up the "you are a big girl, look at all the fun things you can do that your baby brother can't". She'll get it eventually! Good luck!

First of all, it's completely normal. Second, you're talking about two days here - hardly a pattern, certainly not anything to stress about. Third, you're probably right that the visit and the babies had something to do with it.

It's important not to make a big deal out of it because ultimately potty-training is the kids' choice. Also it's important for you to realize that she WILL eventually get over it, probably sooner than you think, if for no other reason than it's uncomfortable. Emphasizing the "big girl" thing is a good idea; I'm not sure it matters whether you put her back in diapers again or not; but mainly, it will get better. And DON'T let other parents psych you out with tales of how much better, easier and earlier their kids were trained - it means nothing at all. I've known a kid who was completely trained by age one (not one of mine, I assure you!) but was otherwise completely unremarkable. They all get there.

Our son turned 3 in march. Last summer/fall he wore underpants all day at home with minimal accidents and went to the potty all the time on his own. I wouldn't go as far as to say he was completely potty trained, but we were close. Then he started getting his 2 year molars, I got pregnant & we moved.... He lost all interest in using the potty, had accidents constantly... We went back to pull ups all the time & he's just starting to have interest in using the potty again recently.
We talked to our doc about it at his 3 year check-up. She said the regression is completely normal with lots of kids. She also said to have the underpants available where the kid can see/reach them in a drawer. But she recommended not talking about the potty or otherwise pushing the subject in any way for another 6 months. She said that it's way too much pressure. She also said that the "rule" is that if they want to wear underpants, they have to stay dry. So that's the encouragement. She said NOT to use any kind of rewards for potty (we've tried them ALL) and that it really has to be their idea as it's a power thing with toddlers, especially with bright toddlers.
We're freaking out a bit b/c our son is supposed to start preschool this fall and can't if he isn't potty trained. The doctor said NOT to tell him that (too much pressure) and that not going to school at age 3 is NO big deal.
I also have a very good friend who's a clinical psychologist specializing in childhood development and she said that forcing potty training before they're ready will absolutley back fire in other areas of development. You just have to wait it out & get really excited and happy when they go on their own.
Lately our son has been going on his own 1-3 times/day, and we feel like that's a great start. It's a far cry from what he was doing last summer/fall, but that's where we're at...
hope this helps