You’re Not Failing - You Just Need Support: When to Ask for Potty Training Help

Potty training isn’t always as simple as buying a toddler potty and reading a few books. For many families, it comes with frustration, tears (from both the child and the parent!), and a feeling of “What are we doing wrong?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone - and you’re not failing. The truth is, potty training challenges are incredibly common, and sometimes, a little outside support can make a big difference.

As a potty training consultant, I work with families every week who are facing one or more of the issues below. If any of these sound like your experience, it may be time to consider reaching out for help.

🚫 Refusal or Tantrum Behavior Around the Potty

If your child screams, cries, or flat-out refuses to sit on the potty, it can turn this new transition into a power struggle. This kind of resistance isn’t just frustrating - it can halt any progress made or even cause a regression. A consultant (especially one with a behavior background like yours truly) can help identify why the behavior is happening and offer a plan rooted in positive, gentle strategies.

💩 Fear of Pooping in the Potty

This is one of the most common issues I hear. Children who are scared to poop on the potty may withhold for days - leading to discomfort, constipation, and pain when pooping, leading into a terrible cycle. A potty training consultant can gently help your child overcome this fear while building trust and confidence in the process.

🔁 Regression After Progress

Maybe your child was doing great and is now suddenly having more accidents or not letting you know when they need to go. Regression can be triggered by stress, illness, or life changes. A consultant can help you identify the cause and reset the process with less frustration.

😟 Fear or Anxiety Around the Potty

If your child appears nervous, scared, or overwhelmed by the potty or the potty process, that's a sign they may need extra support. These feelings are real and valid, and often go unaddressed. A consultant can help create a calm, pressure-free environment that gently builds your child’s sense of safety and readiness.

🤷‍♀️ No Awareness of When They’re Going

If your child doesn’t seem to notice when they’ve peed or pooped they might not yet have developed the body awareness needed for training. This doesn’t mean they aren’t capable - it just means they may need help recognizing those cues. A consultant can provide strategies to boost body awareness in fun and simple ways.

🐢 Slow or Stalled Progress

If it feels like you’ve been potty training for weeks with no real progress being made, you’re not alone. Many parents wonder if they’ve missed something or done it wrong. A potty training consultant can assess your child’s readiness, tweak your approach, and help move things forward with less stress and more success.

🗺️ Not Sure Where to Start?

Maybe you haven’t even begun potty training because you feel lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to begin. That’s totally valid - and actually a great time to reach out. Starting with the right plan can save you and your child a lot of stress down the road.

💬 Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Potty training is a big milestone, and it doesn’t always go smoothly. Whether you're dealing with tantrums, fear, setbacks, or just total confusion, getting professional support doesn’t mean you’ve failed - it means you care enough to get it right.

As a potty training consultant, I help families like yours every week - and I’d love to help you too. If you're navigating any of the challenges above and want a calmer, more confident potty training experience, feel free to reach out.

📩 Contact me to schedule a consultation or ask questions - no pressure, just support.