It's time to teach your child to use the potty. This can be a terrifying time for any child. Handling it calmly, rationally, and with love is most important. Let's discuss toddlers: dealing with potty training accidents.

The key to understanding and dealing with potty training accidents is to fully understand the situation from the childs point of view. Try to remember when you were a child and were going through the same thing. Children are often so frightened at the use of the toilet bowl; that forcing them or coercing them into compliance will ultimately have a damaging affect. In addition, remember you are asking them to give up that which they feel comfortable with. Every child has some safety blanket they hold onto from birth; whether its' a teddy bear or the proverbial blanket. Taking it away when they are not ready is not the best way to go about it.

You must also take into account the fact that toddlers can't predict when they have to go to the bathroom; it's instinctive, it just happens. Don't berate them for not running to the bathroom before an accident occurs. If they are playing a game, they may not realize they need to use the potty. It just happens! Or worse, they may get used to holding it in which can cause health problems. Give them a break.

When you begin the potty training process, go slowly and try to be consistent at the same time. Don't change the rules in mid-stream. Never, ever punish a child for not using the potty. Use a different approach to garner the same results. Listen, accidents are a normal part of a toddlers' growth process, emotionally and physically. As you train your toddler, don't yell or be abusive; just keep using the same training methods and eventually your child will understand. Support your toddler, and reward the accomplishment. The accidents will occur less frequently, and soon your child will get it right.

About the Author