Potty Training & Aggressive Behavior

The fact that toilet training is supposed to happen when our children are toddlers—at the height or heels of the Terrible Twos—seems like a cruel irony. At this age, getting a child to do anything she doesn't want to do can rapidly turn into a drama. So toilet training can be nothing short of traumatic. In our house, the potty battles escalated until we were engaged in what could only be called an all-out potty war!! And guess, what? So are you.

I know you don't want to hear this, but your daughter is NOT ready to begin potty training. Not only is she not ready, but she doesn't WANT to every try. Remember, there are three things we can't make our children do: eat, sleep, or use the potty. Put the potty chair away (out of sight), for about a month. This way she'll forget all about her hostility. Then, you can read my potty training tips again with a clean slate.

Bottoms Up!

For more potty training advice from Teri Crane, check out her potty training tips.

Talk to other potty training parents who are also in the pee-pee & poo-poo trenches on our Toddlers & Preschoolers Message Board!