Toilet Training Adventures: Why Do They Resist Going to the Bathroom?

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Ever found yourself locked in a standoff with a toddler who treats the potty like it's lava? I've been there, laughing and learning through the trials of toilet training my own little one. This episode is all about those unexpected twists and what they taught me about the magic of offering choices. Discover how a sprinkle of autonomy can turn your child's "No way!" into "Okay!" as I share practical tips for phrasing options that resonate with toddlers. You'll hear about the hilarious escapades that led to my revelation and how these strategies can ease the potty training process for you and your tot.

Wrapping up with a heartfelt celebration of our parenting community's strength and growth, this session is a reminder that we're all in this together. By subscribing and joining our social platforms, you become a part of a vibrant support system full of resources to lean on during the rollercoaster ride of raising toddlers. And don't forget, your voice matters in our collective journey—suggest topics that hit home for you, and let's keep the conversation going. Embrace the chaos, the chuckles, and the charming milestones as we navigate parenting side by side, transforming each daunting task into an opportunity for laughter and learning.

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Episode Transcript

Jenefer (00:07):
Welcome to the Toddler Troubleshooter.
Hello Sage Sprout's parents,I'm your host, Jenefer.
As a parent of a toddler, andwith over 20 years of experience
working with young children,I'm excited to share my tools
for troubleshooting your toddler.
In each brief podcast, we'llexplore the different challenges
that arise in toddlerhood andI'll provide you detailed
troubleshooting strategiesDrawing from my extensive

(00:29):
background.
You'll not only gain practicaltools, but you'll also discover
how to make this journeyenjoyable for both you and your
little one.
Toddlers are an adventure.
From toilet training totransitions, our little ones
love to take charge.
I will arm you with the SageSprout strategy to troubleshoot
and modify your approach aschallenges arise.
So if you're ready totroubleshoot your toddler and

(00:50):
transform toddlerhood into apositive and manageable
experience, let's get started.
Welcome back to Toilet TrainingAdventures, where we navigate
the twists and turns of thetoilet training journey.
Today, we're delving into aquestion that might resonate

(01:13):
with many parents why do theyresist going to the bathroom A
puzzling scenario during thetoilet training adventure.
In our previous episode, weexplored the early steps of the
journey, celebrated smallvictories and tackled
introducing our little one tothe bathroom.
Today's episode is for thoseparents who have started the
journey but are facing apeculiar challenge that leaves

(01:35):
many parents scratching theirheads.
How many of you haveexperienced the bathroom chase
or heard the howls of I don'thave to pee as you watch pee
dribbling down their leg, ealingwith toddlers who resist or run
away?
During bathroom transitions canbe tricky, but there are
effective ways to handle thiscommon challenge.
When your little one tries toescape, it's important not to

(01:57):
get frustrated.
Instead, stay calm and try thispractical strategy.
I want to kick off by sharing apersonal story that played a
significant role in inspiringthis podcast.
See, a decade ago, when I wasknee deep in toilet training
sessions with other kids, thechallenges were there, but they
didn't hit home like they didlast year when I toilet trained

(02:17):
my own toddler, my own littlesidekick.
Transitioning from student tomischievous partner in the potty
training saga brought a newlevel of antics running, hiding,
turning bathroom time into agame.
My serious approach Huh, hejust laughed it off.
Hand up to his game.
Now some might think maybe he'snot ready for toilet training

(02:38):
yet my gut told me otherwise.
I was ready and I knew he wastoo.
The light bulb moment struckduring a classic chase, with my
husband trying to catch ourgiggling naked explorer.
Time to pull out the big guns,my trusty behavior strategies.
For him, the present momenttrumped all and we needed to
help him understand that a quickbathroom pit stop meant a

(03:00):
faster return to play.
Our toilet training adventuretook a significant turn when I
made a slight adjustment to mylanguage and shifted my
perspective, allowing my childmore control.
This shift proved to be a gamechanger, resulting in increased
willingness and enthusiasticparticipation from my child.

(03:22):
Today's tip offering choices.
Let's talk about the superheropower of choices for a minute.
Offering choices is a parentinggame changer because it taps
into our little ones need forcontrol and independence.
When kids get to decide, itsparks a sense of autonomy.
The magic doesn't stop at thechoice itself.
The act of choosing fostersengagement and cooperation.

(03:44):
Researchers even found out thatmeaningful choices unleash a
wave of motivation andengagement in our little
learners.
This isn't just about toilettraining.
It's a parenting superpowerthat transforms challenges into
a delightful and collaborativemoment.
If your little one is like mine, offering choices can be the
golden ticket.

(04:04):
My guy was aiming for controland the only choices being
offered to him were go or not go.
Still to this day, choice isthe most powerful tool I use.
When it's time to use thetoilet, I will say big toilet or
little toilet, and if hedoesn't make a choice, I'll say
okay, let's go to the big toiletand immediately he will run to
the little toilet and pee.

(04:25):
If, like me, it feels likeyou're constantly pushing your
toddler to use the bathroom, trygiving them choices.
Find a balance by notoverwhelming them with too many
options or words, butacknowledge their growing
independence.
Offering simple choicesrespects their independence and
helps get things done.
This is the key part of theSage's Road strategy.

(04:47):
To make it more practical, I'llprovide you with some clear
examples on how to express thesechoices effectively.
Phrasing these options iscrucial when offering choices to
toddlers.
Let's break it down withpractical examples of language
that resonates well with them.
Instead of asking do you wantto go to the bathroom or do you

(05:08):
have to pee, try.
We are going to the bathroom.
Do you want to walk there orfly there, or we need to use the
bathroom now?
Do you want the lights on oroff?
Make sure to have a playfulvoice and have the choices sound
super fun and important.
You could also tag team withyour partner and say Bathroom
time.

(05:28):
Do you want to go with mom ordad.
I also like the novel inquirywe are going pee now.
Should the tap be running oroff?
Lastly, you can empower theirstrength.
Let's go.
Do you want to climb up to thetoilet by yourself today, or get
some help?
By phrasing choices in a clearand direct manner, you're

(05:50):
empowering your toddler to makedecisions and fostering a
positive experience in thetoilet trading journey.
But note not once did I ask ifthey have to go pee.
I recommend phrasing the choicein such a way that it is clear
you are going there, but theycan choose the details.
So say we are going pee, do youwant to?

(06:10):
And then use one of therecommendations.
I prefer not to ask toddlers doyou have to pee?
In my experience, the answer isalways no.
By saying let's go, you're notonly facilitating a smoother
experience, but also setting thestage for positive
reinforcement.
They went with you, therefore,they can be reinforced.
You might wonder what if theydon't have to pee, though?

(06:33):
This is okay.
The goal is for them to go withyou and try.
That is what you are praisingthem for.
If you would like a list ofthese examples and other free
resources, head on over to mywebsite, sagesproutsparentpodcom
.
Remember, patience is key.
Coddlers are curious andtesting boundaries, so it's

(06:54):
normal for them to run away orstand firm and not want to go
sometimes.
Stay calm, use these simpletricks and soon bathroom
transitions will become mucheasier for both you and your
little one.
We've covered some valuableinsights today, haven't we Now
to ensure we've answered thequestion why do they resist
going to the bathroom?
It could be they are trying toregain some sense of

(07:17):
independence, so let's give itback to them with choices.
Stay tuned for future episodeswhere we cover how to
communicate more effectively andsome helpful tips on how to use
praise and rewards effectivelyto keep up your momentum.
Every child is unique, so adaptthese strategies to fit your
little one's personality.
You're doing an amazing job andyour dedication as parents

(07:38):
shines brightly.
Thank you for being here withus today.
Until next time, happyparenting and happy toilet
training.
Thanks for joining us onToddler Troubleshooter.
That's a wrap for today'sepisode.
Thank you so much for tuning inand being part of our parenting
community.
If you found value in today'sdiscussion, don't forget to hit

(07:59):
that subscribe button so younever miss an episode.
I'm Jennifer, a parent coachand fellow mom navigating the
joys and trials of toddler lifealong with you.
To hear more about my journeyand get access to more tips and
tricks, follow me on Instagramat Sage Sprouts underscore
parent pod or find us onFacebook at Sage Sprouts parent

(08:19):
pod.
Look forward to seeing you inthe pod.
Remember, parenting is ajourney we navigate together and
your support means the world tous.
If you have any topics you'dlike us to cover in future
episodes, feel free to reach outthrough social media or through
our website, sage Sproutsparent pod dot com.
Stay tuned for our next episode.

(08:40):
Until then, take care and mayyour parenting journey be filled
with joy and laughter.
See you next episode.