Play Therapy Parenting Podcast S2E39 - Potty Training Power Struggles: What’s Really Going On?
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Mar 20, 2025 A mother of twins seeks advice on the tricky journey of potty training. The discussion reveals that accidents are often not about defiance but linked to developmental realities. Instead of using rewards or penalties, gentle reminders and calm expectations are advocated. The conversation emphasizes patience and understanding of each child's unique emotional and bodily needs, providing valuable insights for parents tackling similar challenges with confidence.
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Potty Training Is Temporary
- Potty training challenges are a temporary parenting season that will eventually pass.
- Keeping this perspective can alleviate frustration during difficult stages of toileting.
Developmental Norms Overcome Early Training
- Children using the toilet since infancy is developmentally unusual.
- Accidents at age three are normal regardless of early toilet use.
Toileting as a Control Point
- Young children have limited control, mostly over eating, sleeping, and toileting.
- They use toileting to exert control, causing common power struggles.