Potty Training - Bridgewater,NJ

Could she be stressed about starting preschool and dance? subconsciously trying to get out of going? Maybe once she's gotten into the routine and finds out if she enjoys classes the problem will go away on its own. Till then insist she use the potty more frequently don't be afraid to bribe again, if it continues or there are other symptoms could it be a health problem? Children often regress when stressed, getting a new baby sibling, moving divorce etc. and regression at this age means wetting pants.

It sounds like she's verbal enough for quite a bit of communication between the two of you, so I would suggest something parents seldom think of – ask her what's going on. She may need help becoming clear herself, so be patient, stay open, and try the following:

Sometime when she's not needing to go, use dolls or stuffed animals to role-play a common scenario. You might play the "child" and let her play "mom," and start doing the potty dance. Listen to what bits of wisdom or confusion emerge from your little girl's words and actions.

You may hear information that challenges your assumption that she's "decided" to wet herself. You may hear anxiety, skepticism, or anger about the new level of responsibility that's expected of her. You may discover a new solution neither of you have thought of before. Or she may see the situation from your side and set a new intention for herself.

If it is a fruitful approach, you might wish to role-play her understanding of what will happen at dance and school – plumb her feelings, hopes and anxieties about these new activities. If both are scheduled to happen at the same time, that might simply be a bit overwhelming for her. Perhaps she doesn't feel confident that she'll be able to keep up her commitment to using the potty, and so is giving up in advance.

At any rate, C., your daughter may be able to give you a great deal of information about what's going on with her. That will almost certainly help you make her next months happier and more successful than if you don't have that information.

I like Peg's idea. Your daughter may help you solve the problem better than we can! Other things to think about: Don't ask her if she has to go, just say, "It's time to go potty." Alternately, set up a potty schedule. One of the books I read made it a race against the clock-if you set a timer and she goes in the potty before the timer goes off (without an accident) she gets a reward (a sticker on a chart for example). Finally, make sure she doesn't have some sort of bladder infection. She may tell you that it hurts when you're having your conversation and you can take it from there!

Dear C., Have you checked with her doctor to see if she is OK. A bladder infection can cause her to not be able to hold it and wait for the potty. She could also be unsure about going to preschool and dance. After all, she is your baby and may want to remain that way. Let us know what you find. Grandma Mary

Sounds like my DD. She is now 3 3/4 and can still decide some days she is far less interested in staying dry. She has never stayed dry overnight and we are working on naps still. We started the potty process at 2. I just have to remind myself (usually after having a cry over changing yet another set of sheets) that it is her body and I truly have no control over it. She will decide to stay dry when she wants to/ when her body can handle it. Sorry you are struggling but nice to know I am not the only one with a child that uses the choice to stay dry to exert her will.

well, all children develop at their own time. Maybe she doesn't realize that she has to go till its too late. Maybe she just doesn't care. There are many reasons for wetting. It's normal for some kids to not be potty trained at 2 1/2. Most kids are not at that age. My son wasn't potty trained til he was 3 1/2. My daughter, on the other hand, was practicing at age 15 months and by 18 months, was mostly potty trained. Now she is 2 1/2 and shes potty trained day and at night and everyone is impressed.
Just take a big breath and relax. It will happen with it happens.
(One thing I've done to help her prepare is that I always announced that I had to go to the bathroom by called it pee pee or poo poo. It gets the idea in that even mommies go the the bathroom)What I also did was I sat the potty chair outside the bathroom where she could see it and took her to it on every hour to hour and a half. Just a suggestion.
Good luck!