Potty Regression

[PrincessFiona]

HELP...my 4 year old has regressed.

It started out like this:

He would get involved in a show or playing with his toys and would forget to go to the bathroom. He would then not make it to the toilet.

I was really, really nice about it....I just helped him get changed, told him these things happened...tried to make him not feel badly about it.
His 'holding it' for so long though resulted in him being constipated and then having trouble going to the bathroom...which made him want to go even less....so we were alternating between constipation and diarrhea (TMI, I know!)

Anyway, we have reached a point of full-scale regression...and it doesn't even bother him anymore. I literally have to just throw out his underwear.

Truly, I have tried to be understanding...a new baby is here, etc, etc...but truth be told he started this some time before Aidan arrived. I honestly am past the point of caring about whether or not this is some type of hidden anger issue, etc....(he can tell his therapist all about it in about 15 years)...for now I just want it to stop and I am desperate.

Callling all moms and dads...any advice????

kris

[Meenah]

Maybe a pediatric GI consult (just in case) and back into diapers!!
Luanne

Two suggestions:
1. Prune juice
2. Give him lots of fluids then set the timer and drag his little body to the toilet every 30 minutes to prompt him to go.

Basically start from scratch. Pretend he was never toilet trained to start with.

oh, and 3. Be as nonchalant as possible. The more he sees you get upset about it, the less likely he'll do as he's told.

[Meenah]

Yes, what she said. Thu Van is right on!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Potty Regression

I honestly am past the point of caring about whether or not this is some type of hidden anger issue, etc....(he can tell his therapist all about it in about 15 years)...for now I just want it to stop and I am desperate.

I laughed when I read that but I know you are probably at your wits end.
Seriously, though, that stinks. (Oops, no pun intended). That would drive me crazy too. I think Thu Van's suggestion is a great one. Also, someone (Sally?) posted a while ago that they have their kids clean up their potty regression messes. That sounds like a really good idea -- to matter-of-factly have them clean up after themselves. To the extent that it doesn't create a bigger mess for you.....
I hope this problem resolves itself fast!

[SueC]

Kris, I can so identify with you!!! Maya has been potty trained since she was 2, but she still goes through periods where she totally regresses and pees her pants ALL DAY!!! It is very frustrating. We haven't had the constipation issue, so I can't really comment on that. But as far as peeing, this is what I've done.
1. The timer that Thu Van mentioned, when I stuck to it, it worked very well.
2. Being very nonchalent (someone else mentioned that, too). It's hard not to get upset with them and frustrated, but now when she tells me she had an accident I just tell her to go change and leave it at that.
3. Well, shucks, I thought I had more suggestions but I guess I don't. I have surrendured, I don't care anymore, I don't try to figure out why. Eventually the phase passes and we enjoy dry days until the next time. I'm sure eventually it will be a distant memory, of course by then I will potty training the other two .

[peggyfromwastate]

I used the method of making my oldest clean her panties out. She didn't like that, and I think it encouraged her to go when she has to. I've gone back to using that even recently when she had problems wiping completely.... Yuk...

Good luck!