Hello!

My 2yr old initiated her own toilet training and went a week using the toilet without prompting. She has gone back to only using a nappy, putting her in nickers or leaving her bare results in her urinating all over the floors. It wouldn’t be so bad but my house is all carpet except for wet areas. She has even stopped telling me that she needs a wee even when asked. I’m at a loss. Please help me!!


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  • absolutely normal for children to regress. the key is not to push it and keep being positive. it’s very hard and frustrating though!


  • I have found that my son regressed when there was a big change or an upset to routine. It’s completely normal and as frustrating as it is you will just have to keep at it and be patient. Unfortunately it happens


  • maybe more praise when using the loo, you say she initiated her own toilet training too!
    that is a smart thing for her to do,when we say no! kids often respond by doing the opposite it is true. So talk the positive what she can do…. in this case she can use the toilet when she wants too
    that is my thought as I write to you.When I said No my kids would opposite do….Another of those independent learning cue that kids go through


  • Our 2 y.o. did that too. Flatly refused to use the toilet so we waited a few weeks until he started to show interest. He often doesn’t get there quick enough in a different environment apart from home or childcare.


  • My son did this at 2yrs old I just put him back In nappies and when he was 3.5 yrs old we tried again when he started showing signs of interest again. He is now 4 and we are completely nappy free including bed times.


  • she probably isn’t ready just yet. id just try again later. don’t stress it will happen eventually.


  • I don’t think she’s ready yet. I’d keep the nappies on for a bit longer. It will all work out when she is ready. My girls were nearly three before being toilet trained, and by then accidents didn’t really happen. As she started her own training, she will do it again when she is ready and it will probably work for good by that stage.


  • she is quite young dont expect her to suddenly know how to be toilet trained just because she did it well for a week, i know how frustrating it can be my daughter did this to me about 4 or 5 times before she stuck to toileting. my boys on the other hand were not toilet trained till they were over 3 years old, took then much longer. dont stress it will happen, if she is still struggling at 4 then maybe look at some help.


  • Also; just keep up the praise when the potty is used! :)


  • Thanks everyone :) at least I know not to stress.


  • Yeap they can go backwards for no reasons at all, I would look at putting her back in nappies if it’s causing to much damage to carpet


  • Yes, they do, just go back to nappies etc, and she will retrain herself again, but keep an eye on her in case there is some other reason such as a bladder infection as this can cause children to alter their toileting habits, give her time, the novelty has probably worn off and she now realises that it was easier to use a nappy than stop playing to use the potty, don’t hassle her and don’t worry.


  • Sometimes kids go backwards; then they go forwards again. Just keep encouraging ‘potty’ time. Good Luck!


  • sure is, how many adults do you know that still wet>> give it time, and no pressure and all will be good x


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