Potty training can be an exciting milestone, but what happens when your child flat-out refuses to use the potty? 😩 You may hear:
❌ “No! I don’t want to!”
❌ Crying or screaming when you suggest the potty.
❌ Holding in pee or poop to avoid using the toilet.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Potty training resistance is very common and usually happens for a reason. In this post, we’ll explore why kids refuse the potty and what you can do to help.
Why Is Your Child Resisting the Potty? 🤔
Understanding why your child is saying no to the potty is the first step to fixing the issue. Here are some of the most common reasons:
1. Fear of the Toilet or Going Potty 🚽😨
Some kids are genuinely scared of the potty the act of going pee/poop without a diaper/pants. The flushing sound, the idea of something “disappearing,” or even the feeling of sitting on a big seat can be overwhelming.
Signs of this:
✔️ Your child clings to you when near the toilet.
✔️ They get scared when they hear the flush.
✔️ They refuse to sit on the potty at all.
💡 What to Do: Help them get comfortable! Let them sit on the potty with their clothes on, read potty books together, and model using the toilet yourself, limit the amount of prompting. The goal is to make the potty feel safe and normal.
2. Feeling Pressured 😰
If your child senses that you are really eager for them to use the potty, they might push back. Potty training works best when children feel like they are in control—not being forced.
Signs of this:
✔️ Your child starts saying “NO” even before you suggest the potty.
✔️ They hold in pee or poop until they get a diaper.
✔️ They hide when they need to go.
💡 What to Do: Shift from “You HAVE to go potty” to “Let’s try sitting on the potty and see what happens.” Keep it casual and low-pressure. Praise effort, not results! I love the phrase, “Thanks for trying,” if a child sits and doesn’t go.
3. Not Fully Ready Yet ⏳
Many parents feel pressure to start potty training by a certain age (like 2 years old), but readiness is different for every child. If your child isn’t developmentally ready, they will resist.
Signs of readiness:
✔️ Communicates with a word or phrase.
✔️ Showing interest in the toilet or wearing underwear.
✔️ Following simple instructions.
- Visit my blog post Signs of Readiness for more!
💡 What to Do: If your child isn’t showing these signs yet, pause potty training for a few weeks. Starting too early can cause more frustration and setbacks.
4. Power Struggles 💢
Some kids refuse the potty just to assert control. They want to feel independent, and if they think potty training is YOUR idea, they may push back just to show they have a choice.
Signs of this:
✔️ Your child says “NO!” even when they clearly need to go.
✔️ They resist anything related to the potty, like flushing or washing hands.
💡 What to Do: Give them more control by offering choices:
🔹 “Do you want to use the blue potty or the white toilet?”
🔹 “Do you want to flush yourself or should I do it?”
🔹 “Do you want to sit on the potty before or after your bath?”
Making it their decision reduces resistance!
How to Get Your Child to Use the Potty (Without a Battle!) 🎯
Now that we know why kids resist the potty, let’s talk about one simple strategy to help turn things around:
✨ The “No Pressure” Method ✨
🚽 Create a potty routine – “We always go before (we leave the house, dinner time etc).
📚 Read potty training books together.
👕 Limit the amount of prompts you give.
🎉 Celebrate small wins—even just sitting on the potty is progress! Say “Thanks for Trying”
The goal is to make potty training a fun, relaxed experience so your child feels comfortable trying it.
Still Struggling? Let’s Create a Custom Plan! 👩⚕️
Every child is unique, and sometimes a one-size-fits-all method doesn’t work. If your child continues to resist the potty, it may be time for personalized support.
🎯 In my 1:1 Potty Training Consultation, I’ll help you:
✅ Identify what’s causing resistance.
✅ Create a custom potty training plan.
✅ Teach you proven techniques to help your child succeed!
📩 click HERE to book your consultation! 🚽✨
Want More Help? My Digital Potty Training Course is Here! 🎉
Potty training doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re feeling stuck and want a clear, step-by-step plan to help your child succeed, my Potty Training Digital Course is exactly what you need!
🎓 Inside the course, you’ll learn:
✅ How to identify potty training readiness.
✅ A proven step-by-step method for potty success.
✅ Exactly what to do when your child resists or has accidents.
✅ How to ditch diapers for good—without stress!
💡 Bonus: You’ll also get exclusive troubleshooting guides for common potty training struggles, plus access to me for extra support!
📲 Click HERE to enroll now and start your potty training journey with confidence!
