How to Deal With Potty Training Accidents?
When she has an accident simply take her to the bathroom, clean her up calmly and change her underwear and her clothes. Reassure her that accidents happen, but next time she must try to go to the potty.
**Never chastise her or make her feel bad** as that can make her feel bad about herself and the whole process of potty training, which can make the method harder for both of you.
Remember that you are in this together – you need to be supportive.
***STAY POSITIVE!***
You may notice that the accidents start to happen after a couple or several weeks later. This is called "regression", and is very common, so don't panic.
It may not happen, but you need to be prepared if it does. Consider that **there may be a reason** that this happens and it's important to **try to find out what it is.**
**Some of the most common reasons are:**
1. Starting school or day care.
2. A big change to the family routine such as moving home, family crisis or illness.
3. Your child may feel that she is lacking the attention she got from you during a diaper change, for example.
Try to **deal with these problems by being caring and understanding.** Talk to your child and tell her that you understand that these changes have occurred. **Tell her kindly, but firmly**, that **she still needs to go to the potty** like a big girl.
And here are some tips on how to deal with each of the reasons above.
## 4.1 Tips for Resolving Reason 1
Talk to your day care provider about your child's toilet routine. They may do things differently to what you do which may be confusing her. If you can, **try to get your day care provider to follow the same routine that you do.**
If they are unwilling to try this then you may want to consider one that has some flexibility when it comes to your child's needs.
## 4.2 Tips for Resolving Reason 2
The best way to deal with this is to **be consistent**. Whatever you do NEVER put her back in a diaper. You'll only confuse her and undermine the potty training process.
Give her lots of encouragement to keep trying to use the potty. Give her small reminders every hour or so, but don't go on about it, you'll sound like you're nagging her.
## 4.3 Tips for Resolving Reason 3
If it's purely for attention, **try giving her some positive attention rather negative attention.** Or simply more of the positive attention you've already been giving. If dealt with properly and in the right manner the regression should soon stop.
However be consistent don't put her back in a diaper just to keep from cleaning up the mess – you'll just confuse her. Try to get back to the daily routine by reminding her that she needs to use the potty.
NOTE: Be vigilant because if regression continues there could be serious physical problems. These could be bladder problems, dietary problems or bowel problems. If you have any worries about this speak to your child's doctor. Some of the common problems are dealt with in Chapter 8.
**Chapter 5 – Here's how to potty train twins & multiples >>**
