✨ Why Isn’t Potty Training Working? ✨

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Quiz Questions

1.
How long have you been potty training?
- A.
  We just started (within the last 1–2 weeks)
- B.
  We’ve been at it for a few weeks but feel stuck
- C.
  We’ve been trying for a while — it’s been on and off
- D.
  We tried before and stopped, now we’re starting again
- E.
  I’m not sure we ever really “started” — it’s been super casual
2.
What's your biggest challenge right now?
- A.
  They refuse to sit or try
- B.
  They try but nothing happens
- C.
  They hold poop or won't go poop in the potty
- D.
  They do okay but keep having random accidents
- E.
  Everything! It just feels like a mess
3.
Has your child ever had success on the potty?
- A.
  Yes, both pee and poop
- B.
  Just pee
- C.
  Just poop
- D.
  No, not yet
- E.
  Only with a diaper/pull-up on still
4.
How does your toddler usually act when you bring up the potty?
- A.
  Total shutdown or panic
- B.
  Plays along but nothing happens
- C.
  Says no or refuses
- D.
  Will sit, sometimes goes, sometimes doesn't
- E.
  Seems into it but gets distracted
5.
Which best describes your toddler's poop pattern right now?
- A.
  They only poop in their diaper (either asking for one or holding it until they have a nap or night diaper on)
- B.
  They hold it for long stretches, sometimes days
- C.
  They poop on the potty sometimes but not always
- D.
  Poop is a total mystery - I can't track it
- E.
  Poop is mostly fine, we're struggling with pee accidents
6.
If you had to describe your child's temperament in one word, what would it be?
- A.
  Sensitive
- B.
  Strong-willed
- C.
  Easy-going
- D.
  Cautious
- E.
  High-energy
7.
Which of these statements feels most true for your situation?
- A.
  I thought we were doing okay, but now we're stuck
- B.
  My toddler gets upset when I bring it up
- C.
  I feel like they want to do it but can't quite figure it out
- D.
  I'm just not sure what's going wrong

Quiz Outcomes

1.
The Withholder
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"Their body says yes, but their nervous system says 'not yet.'"Your toddler isn’t giving you a hard time — they’re having a hard time.Whether it started after a painful poop or just feels too unfamiliar or intense, withholding is a common (and very real) potty training hurdle.It can look like:• Holding poop for long stretches• Asking for a diaper, even when they know how to use the potty• Hiding or dancing around when they clearly need to go• Meltdowns or shutdowns around poop time💛 You haven’t done anything wrong — and neither has your little one.This isn’t defiance. It’s fear, discomfort, and nervous system overload.When a toddler holds in poop, it’s often because something about the process doesn’t feel safe or manageable — even if their body says it’s time to go.For some kids, that “something” is constipation or a painful past poop.For others, it’s anxiety, sensory overload, or simply not being able to coordinate their body at the right time.Letting go — emotionally and physically — takes trust, safety, and body awareness. And their nervous system just isn’t there yet.🪄What helps:Gentle routines that build trust and familiarityPlay-based strategies to reduce fear and body tensionScripts that offer safety and connection instead of pressureUnderstanding how the nervous system affects potty progress🌈 Want help getting past this hurdle?Withholding is tough — for them and for you. But you’re not stuck. And you’re definitely not alone.My guide, Potty Training Playfully, was designed to help kids like yours feel safe, supported, and successful — without pressure or power struggles.Inside, you’ll get:Gentle, expert-backed ways to ease potty anxiety and rebuild trustToddler-friendly tools to teach their body when and how to let goScripts and language that reduce stress (yours and theirs)A flexible, step-by-step plan that grows with your child — at their pace✨ You don’t need to push harder — you just need a new approach that works with your child’s body and brain.👉 Click here to check out the guide — and start moving forward today, with confidence.
2.
The Refuser
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"They know what to do — they just won’t do it."It might seem like your toddler is being defiant on purpose. But under that “no” is often a need for control, connection, or clarity.Refusing the potty is rarely about not knowing what to do — it’s about not feeling ready, safe, or in charge of the process.It can look like:• Shouting “no!” or running away when you mention the potty• Battles over sitting down — or staying on the toilet• Total resistance even though they’ve done it before• Meltdowns, testing, or refusal that feels out of the blue💛 You haven’t messed anything up. And your toddler isn’t “behind.”This kind of resistance is usually a mix of:• Developmental need for independence• Power struggles that snuck in without you realizing• Past pressure or stress (even unintentional) that left an emotional imprint• Big feelings in a little body that doesn’t yet have tools to copePotty training touches on identity, control, and body autonomy — all big themes for toddlers. If your child is refusing, they’re not rejecting you. They’re asking for more agency, clarity, and emotional safety.🪄 What helps:Giving choices, not commands: “Do you want to flush or wash hands first?”Shifting language from control to connection: “Let’s go together” instead of “You need to go.”Building playful rituals around potty time — think music, games, or stuffies.Stepping back when needed: A short reset can make a huge difference.Using connection to shift resistance into cooperation🌈 Want help getting past this hurdle?If every potty attempt turns into a battle, it’s not your fault — and you’re not out of options.My guide, Potty Training Playfully, is here to help you rebuild trust and shift from standoffs to success — without forcing or bribing.Inside, you’ll get:• Toddler-approved tools that lower resistance and invite buy-in• Play-based ways to give back control while moving forward• Gentle scripts that guide instead of push• A flexible plan that lets your toddler lead — with your steady support✨ You don’t need more tricks or pressure. You need a fresh start that centers connection, choice, and trust.👉 Click here to check out the guide — and get back on the same team.
3.
The Confused One
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"They’re trying… but it’s just not clicking."Your toddler isn’t resisting — they’re genuinely unsure what’s supposed to happen.They might be interested in the potty, happy to sit, even eager to try… but nothing comes out. Or accidents keep happening right after.It can look like:• Sitting happily, but getting up and peeing on the floor• Peeing right after they leave the bathroom• Missing cues or saying “I don’t have to go” — then going 2 minutes later• Seeming into it… but nothing ever really happens💛 This isn’t failure — it’s part of the learning curve.Potty training asks a lot: body awareness, muscle coordination, and the ability to connect “I have to go” with “I should go now.”If that link hasn’t solidified yet, your toddler isn’t behind — they’re still wiring the connection.Confusion can come from:• Starting before they were developmentally ready• Not fully understanding what “having to go” feels like• Trying too hard to “get it right” and getting overwhelmed• A mismatch between what’s being taught and how they learn bestWith the right support, this phase doesn’t last forever — it just needs more clarity, practice, and playful teaching. 🪄 What helps:Teaching the felt sense of the urge to go through games and movementGiving tons of low-pressure chances to try — with zero shame for accidentsUsing simple, consistent language and routines to build the potty connectionShifting from “performing” to inviting them to learn at their own pace in their own way🌈 Want help getting past this hurdle?If your toddler wants to succeed but just isn’t getting there, it’s time for a new approach that builds skills and confidence.My guide, Potty Training Playfully, is designed to help toddlers connect the dots — in ways their brain and body can actually use.Inside, you’ll get:• Play-based activities to teach body awareness and the potty urge• Visuals, movement, and language that make the process click• Scripts and prompts that support learning, not pressure• A flexible plan that grows with your child’s pace and personality✨ You don’t need to “try harder” — you need tools that meet your toddler where they are.👉 Click here to check out the guide — and start making real progress with less stress.
4.
The Hesitant One
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“They seem curious… but they’re just not quite there.”Your toddler isn’t resisting — they’re thinking.They’re interested, but unsure. Willing… but wobbly. And when something feels unfamiliar or unclear, their natural instinct is to pause or pull back.It can look like:• Asking to try, then immediately saying “no”• Refusing to go unless everything is just right• Doing fine at home, but refusing anywhere else• Wanting control of when and how potty talk happens• Getting upset when things feel rushed or unpredictable💛 Your child isn’t stalling or being stubborn — they’re looking for clarity, confidence, and a sense of safety.When toddlers don’t fully understand what’s happening in their body or what’s expected of them, even mild uncertainty can feel overwhelming.This kind of hesitancy is common when:• A child is slow-to-warm or sensitive to change• They haven’t yet made the mind-body connection• They’re trying to feel in control of a new, vulnerable experience• They’re still figuring out what it means to “get it right”The key is giving them just enough information, repetition, and safe practice to help it click.🪄 What helps:Break the process down so they understand the routine: Celebrate sitting fully clothed, then pants down, then brief sitsUse sensory-friendly supports like footstools, warm water, soft lightingConsistent, familiar routines that create a sense of safetyPlayful strategies that help them notice and respond to their bodyNormalize the feelings: “It’s okay to feel unsure. We’re learning together.”🌈 Want help getting past this hurdle?You don’t need to push — you need a way to make the process feel clear, safe, and doable.My guide, Potty Training Playfully, is designed to help hesitant kids feel more confident and in control — without pressure, overwhelm, or guesswork.Inside, you’ll find:• Simple strategies to teach what to do and why it matters• Play-based tools that support body awareness and buy-in• Scripts that take the stress out of tricky moments• Toddler-friendly ideas that help it all feel less scary, more doable✨ When toddlers understand what’s happening, they’re far more likely to lean in — and move forward.👉 Click here to check out the guide — and help your toddler turn curiosity into confidence.
5.
On Track But Stalled
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“They’re close — but something’s still in the way.”You’ve seen signs of progress — maybe they’re peeing in the potty consistently, or doing well at daycare but not at home — but something just isn’t clicking all the way.It’s frustrating — and confusing. And... it’s also normal. Most potty learning journeys aren’t linear. And plateaus, setbacks, and resistance at specific steps are common signs your child needs a small shift.💛 You haven’t lost progress. You just need to figure out the missing piece.Stalls like this usually mean one of three things:There’s an emotional or sensory block (often with poop or independence)A key habit didn't fully stick yetThey need a bit more support and structure for a while🪄 What helps:Troubleshooting the specific piece your child is stuck on (poop, timing, independence)Gentle habits and routines that build momentumPartnering with your child to problem-solve together — not power through🌈 Want help getting unstuck?You’re not stuck — you’re on the edge of a breakthrough. Let’s figure out what’s missing.My guide, Potty Training Playfully, helps you move from stuck to steady with:Toddler-tested tools to build confidence and consistencyExpert-backed ways to tackle the “hard part” (poop? accidents? motivation?)Scripts and playful prompts to help your toddler take the leadA step-by-step framework that meets your child where they are👉 Click here to check out the guide — and get back on track, together