Potty Training Elimination Problems
I'm starting to worry that my 3 year-old daughter is not feeling the sensation to go potty. I've noticed that she doesn't seem to realize what's going on until she hears the pee hit the floor and feels it trickle down her legs. What do I do? —gaamy
Teach your toddler to recognize when she needs to 'go' by understanding bodily sensations and commenting while it's happening. With a little practice you will be able to pick up on your child's potty body language. (Check out my tips for figuring out your kid's potty training schedule.) Some children make grunting noises or get red in the face or cry as they learn to relax and contract their sphincter muscle to push a BM out. By describing exactly what's happening, when it's happening, you increase their potty prowess. "Do you smell that? That smell is gas. You're going to go have a B.M. in your diaper." For urinating, some children have regular times during the day, such as upon awaking from a nap or after eating. If this is the case with your daughter, set her on the potty for a bit. If she urinates while seated, comment on what is happening, and praise her for her success. Otherwise, let her run around naked so she can witness first-hand the cause and effect of not getting to the potty on time.
I also suggest you take your daughter to the doctor so you can discuss your concerns in detail. There may be something more here than meets the eye. In the meantime, please review my suggestions for being a good potty coach.
For more potty training advice, check out:
Potty Training Tips from the Potty Pro, Teri Crane
Dress Your Kid for Potty Training Success
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Talk to other potty training parents who are also in the pee-pee & poo-poo trenches on our Toddlers & Preschoolers Message Board!
Answered by
Teri Crane, the Potty Pro
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