potty regression

[linda611]

My dauther was potty trained during the day at  33 months (night time she had pull-ups), For the past 3 months (she is 39 months now) she is back in diapers and or pull ups during the day because of constant wetting and bowel movements in her pants. I have tried sticker rewards,yelling, time outs, praising her, hugs etc when she goes on the potty but then 2 hours later she has wet or soiled her pants. She is to start nursery school soon and dance class and they will only take her if she is in underwear. How do I get her back on track? ( there has not been any changes at our house) Linda

[liekaisabel]

my baby is 3 years old now, she is already potty trained since she was 2 1/2 years old (but she will urinate only). when she wants to stool she will not use the potty instead she will poo in her panty or if not in the floor. how can we help her to stool in the potty? Help

[Rebecca Resnik, PsyD]

Hello,
     I think your first stop should be to your pediatrician, as such a significant, long-term regression is not typical (unless there was a change in your house such as a divorce, abuse or a new sibling). Talk to your pediatrician about the soiling and the possibilities that she could be chronically constipated, have a urinary tract infection, or food allergies.

    Your task in terms of helping her get back on track is to help her feel relaxed and rewarded for choosing to use the potty. Avoid yelling and punishing, because these are going to increase avoidant behavior (she will avoid telling you and may develop a habit of withholding stool and urine--both very unhealthy). The body needs to relax to void, so if you raise her anxiety level you make the problems worse. I would strongly recommend asking for a referral to a psychologist who specializes in toileting. The psychologist can help you re-train her to establish healthy elimination behaviors. If you are unable to access professional help, the book The Kazdin Method will help you learn how to train a child to adopt desirable behaviors through positive methods.

As far as what to dress her in, I would select periods of the day that are 'underwear time' and reward her for sitting on the potty during these times (kids most often have to go right after meals), even if she does not void. Gradually increase underwear time as she becomes more and more successful. Make it very positive and low stress for her.

Best Wishes
Rebecca Resnik

[Brooklyn718]

put her back in underwears and leave her  in them all day and night till she goes to bed then put pull ups on her...but now it may even be harder becasue you went back to diapers!!! NEVER GO BACKWARDS!!!! and maybe she is peeing and pooping on her self casu seh can be backed up....especially if she is doing both at the same time, if they are backed up from holding it in,it will be more pooping in underwears casue they dont watn to go and they can only hold so much..Good luck!