HELP! Potty regression!

I'm so lost here, I need some major help. DS has been pee trained since late spring I think? He refused to poop train until very recently, but he finally starting pooping on the potty a few weeks ago when I told him there were no more pull ups. It hasn't gone very smoothly, he will tell me he is pooping and run away so I have to catch him and bring him to the potty. Recently he hasn't even done this, he just goes up to his room and poops his pants. And now he has started peeing his pants too. I can't even remember the last time he pooped on the potty now. He doesn't care that he has poop in his pants, he seems proud of himself that he goes in his pants now . I feel like I've tried everything, punishments, taking things away, putting him in his room, time outs etc.. We also were VERY excited when he went on the potty, made a big deal out of it every time, he got a big prize over at my moms house, etc. Any ideas on how to stop this? I'm ready to give him the pull ups back so he can have "control" again. He doesn't have accidents at school so it's a control issue here. HELP

Re: HELP! Potty regression!

I just wanted to say that I would NOT ever punish him for having accidents, even if he thinks it's funny or not a big deal. Taking toys away, putting him in his room, time outs, etc are NOT appropriate ways to handle the regression and unfortunately, you're only going to make it worse. He shouldn't associate not using the potty with punishment. I don't think it's punishment worthy and I don't think you want to create anything negative around the whole idea of using the toilet.

I would look at reasons for the regression. Has anything changed recently for him? Any major events or issues? Whether than has been a change or not I guess my best advice would be to go back to square one and start with the basics as if he's never been trained. Make a HUGE deal about it again, maybe take him out to pick out new underwear, set up a rewards system or potty sticker chart, etc. Make it exciting again and keep up the positive reinforcement too. I think that is so important.

I'm sure it's just a phase and he will come back around but I would really try to not use ANY form of punishment with regards to this. Honestly, you're only going to make him feel bad, be spiteful, and create negativity around the whole experience which is the last thing you want to do.

Good luck!!!!

Edit - I would also NOT give him the Pull Ups back. You will only make it worse, doing that is taking the easy way out and you're only going to create a bigger headache for yourself.

Message edited 1/22/2012 2:50:49 PM.

Re: HELP! Potty regression!

I agree I wouldn't punish him because you will make it a negative experience which might encourage him to not want to go on the potty even more. Is there maybe a reason he has regressed? Bad experience? Stomach issues?

If you were successful before I would try what worked that time - maybe a reward chart? Small treats when he goes on the potty - something exciting to make him move forward to an want to succeed. If he has a special activity he really enjoys (game time with mommy, going somewhere special) maybe try using that - if we sit on the potty and make and effort or if he stays dry for x amount of time you will do the activity with him.

I would also try to not make a big deal of the accidents - because if he is trying to get a reaction out of you he will continue - poop belongs in the potty not in our pants and don't make any more of a reaction.

Re: HELP! Potty regression!

I'd stay away form punishments.

I recommend a reward chart. It worked wonders for DD.

Star for getting to the bathroom on time.

Star for Pee in potty.

Star for Poo in potty.

Star for washing hands.

Determine a number of stars required for a predetermined reward that he can be excited about.

Good luck!

Re: HELP! Potty regression!

From your pic, it looks like he's a big brother? Could that be causing part of the regression?

I agree with the others - I don't think punishments is the way to go. I would start from step one with stickers/rewards for pee & poop on the potty.