Potty training can be a challenging experience. Every child has different developmental processes, and this can require a lot of trial and error. Once your toddler begins to have consistently dry and clean diapers, it's normal to feel relief and be engulfed with a sense of pride. However, if you enroll your child in day care, you may notice that they start to regress to having accidents. Here's a closer look to help you better understand potty training regression. 

Why Is Potty Training Regression Normal?

Potty training regression is when a child who has previously been potty trained starts having accidents again. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including changes in routine, stress, or illness. It's important to remember that potty training is a learning process, and setbacks are a normal part of that process.

Day care can be a particularly challenging environment for potty training. Children are often distracted by their surroundings and may forget to use the bathroom. This can lead to accidents and regression.

How Can You Help Your Child Through It?

The first step in helping your child through potty training regression is to be patient and understanding. Remember that this is a normal part of the process and that your child is not doing it intentionally. 

Here are some other tips to help your child through this phase:

1. Communicate With Your Day Care Provider 

Make sure your day care provider is aware of the situation and is willing to work with you to help your child. Ask if they can take your child to the bathroom more frequently or if they can remind your child to use the bathroom.

2. Reinforce Positive Behavior 

When your child does use the bathroom successfully, praise them and give them positive reinforcement. This will help build their confidence and encourage them to continue using the bathroom.

3. Use Rewards

Consider using a reward system to incentivize your child to use the bathroom. This could be something as simple as a sticker chart or a small treat for each successful bathroom trip.

4. Be Consistent 

Make sure you're using the same potty training techniques at home and at day care. This will help reinforce the behavior and make it easier for your child to understand what's expected of them.

If you’re looking for a dependable day care service, Tiny World Child Care in Newton or Brookline, MA, offers everything you could want. Their innovative child care center encourages engagement and education, and their team is committed to nurturing your child. They even have bilingual staff who can teach kids in Spanish to accommodate families. Visit their website for more on their child care services. To set up a tour, call (617) 916-9218 to reach their Newton location or (617) 232-0115 for the Brookline facility.