The good news? Regression is usually temporary, and with some patience and consistency, your child will get back on track.

Why Potty Training Regression Happens

There are a few common reasons kids who were once potty trained start having accidents again:

1. Big Life Changes

Moves, starting daycare or preschool, a new sibling, or even traveling can disrupt routines and make kids regress.

2. Stress or Emotions

Toddlers and preschoolers often don’t have the words to explain their feelings, so accidents can become an outlet for stress, anxiety, or attention-seeking.

3. Medical Reasons

Constipation, urinary tract infections, or even just withholding can cause potty setbacks.

4. Forgetting the Routine

Sometimes kids get so busy playing or distracted that they simply forget to go or we as parents back off and rely on self-initiation

Tips for Getting Back on Track 🚽

If your child is experiencing potty training regression, here’s what you can do:

✅ Stay Calm – Getting upset or punishing accidents usually makes things worse. Respond with patience and encouragement.

✅ Go Back to Basics – Reintroduce the potty routine: regular sit times, reminders, and praise for success. Sometimes a refresher is all they need. You are not a failure if you have to return to bare buns for a day.

✅ Look for Triggers – If there’s been a big change (new school, sibling, etc.), offer extra comfort and reassurance.

✅ Keep It Positive – Celebrate every success — even a small one — to rebuild confidence.

✅ Rule Out Medical Causes – If accidents are frequent and unusual, check in with your pediatrician to make sure nothing physical is going on.

The Bottom Line

Potty training regression doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it’s a normal part of the process for many kids. The key is staying consistent, calm, and supportive while gently guiding your child back to potty success.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I work 1:1 with parents to troubleshoot potty challenges like regression, withholding, and poop issues. My Potty Training Course also gives you a step-by-step plan (with a section on regressions!) so you can stop guessing and start moving forward.

The post Potty Training Regression: Why It Happens and How to Get Back on Track appeared first on Burnt Pancakes.

To make it a little easier, here’s a clear list of potty training dos and don’ts to guide you through the process.

✅ Potty Training Dos

1. Do Wait for Readiness Signs
Not every child is ready at the same age. Look for cues like showing interest in the potty, staying dry for longer stretches, or hiding to poop. Starting too early can cause more frustration than progress. Click HERE for a list of my signs of readiness.

2. Do Keep It Positive
Celebrate small wins! Clapping, high-fives, and words of encouragement go a long way. Kids thrive on positive reinforcement, not pressure.

3. Do Make the Potty Accessible
Have a potty chair in the bathroom or even in the playroom at first. This adapts the toilet to their size and helps with independence. Step stools and potty seats for the toilet also help kids feel independent and secure.

4. Do Dress for Success
Skip the complicated outfits. Elastic waistbands and easy-on, easy-off clothing make potty training smoother (and faster when it’s urgent). For the first few days, bare bottoms work best. No need to fumble with clothing.

5. Do Stay Consistent
Routine is key. Offer potty breaks regularly, and be consistent in your approach whether you’re at home, daycare, or grandma’s house. Know that accidents will happen and are part of the process.

❌ Potty Training Don’ts

1. Don’t Pressure or Punish
Accidents are part of the process. Putting too much pressure on a child can create anxiety and resistance. Keep calm, clean up, and move on.

2. Don’t Overprompt
Constantly asking, “Do you need to go?” can backfire. It can make kids feel pressured and less likely to listen to their own body cues.

3. Don’t Expect Overnight Success
Most kids take weeks (or even months) to fully master potty training. And nighttime dryness? That’s usually the last step. Patience is everything.

4. Don’t Compare Your Child to Others
Every child has their own timeline. Just because your neighbor’s toddler trained in three days doesn’t mean yours should. Comparison only adds stress.

5. Don’t Give Up Too Soon
If things feel bumpy, it doesn’t mean your child will “never get it.” Sometimes a short break helps, but don’t throw in the towel at the first sign of resistance.

The Bottom Line

Potty training is a journey, not a race. With consistency, patience, and a positive attitude, your child will get there. Remember: accidents and setbacks are normal, and your approach matters more than the timeline.

If you want a step-by-step plan that takes out the guesswork, my Digital Potty Training Course walks you through exactly what to do, or you can book a 1:1 consultation for personalized support tailored to your child.

You don’t have to figure this out alone — and I’d love to help make this milestone less stressful for your family.

The post The Dos and Don’ts of Potty Training appeared first on Burnt Pancakes.

That’s exactly where a potty training consultation can make all the difference.

Here are a few reasons why booking a session with a potty training expert might be the best next step for you and your child:

1. Every Child Is Different

There’s no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to potty training. What works for one toddler may completely flop with another. A consultation allows you to share your child’s unique personality, habits, and challenges — so you can get tailored advice that actually works for your family.

Parent Review:
“I tried everything I could find online, but nothing worked. Katie helped us figure out exactly what my daughter needed, and within two weeks she was using the potty consistently!” — Sarah L.

2. You’ll Save Time (and Sanity)

Scrolling through Google, piecing together conflicting advice, or trying five different methods can be exhausting. Instead of wasting weeks (or months) feeling stuck, a potty trainer can help you skip the guesswork and move forward with a clear, step-by-step plan.

Parent Review:
“Before our consultation, I felt like we were going in circles. Katie gave us a clear plan, and it worked! I can’t believe how much time and stress we saved.” — Mark T.

3. You’ll Get Support for the Tough Stuff

Whether your child is afraid to poop on the potty, holding pee for hours, or constantly having accidents, these challenges are stressful. With a consultation, you don’t just get answers you get reassurance that what you’re experiencing is common and workable, plus practical tools to help your child succeed.

Parent Review:
“My son was terrified to poop in the potty, and I didn’t know what to do. Katie showed us a gentle approach that finally got him comfortable. We can’t thank her enough!” — Emily R.

4. Consistency Becomes Easier

One of the biggest roadblocks in potty training is inconsistency. A potty trainer helps you create routines, language, and expectations that keep everyone on the same page (parents, caregivers, and even daycare teachers).

Parent Review:
“We were all over the place different routines at home and daycare. Katie helped us create a consistent plan, and the results were amazing!” — Lisa P.

5. You’ll Gain Confidence as a Parent

Potty training isn’t just about kids learning a new skill. It’s about parents feeling equipped to guide them through it. With expert coaching, you’ll feel more confident, less overwhelmed, and ready to handle setbacks without stress.

Parent Review:
“I wasn’t sure if a consultation was worth it, but it was the best decision! My daughter is now fully trained, and I finally feel confident guiding her through this stage.” — Jennifer M.

Parent Review:
“Katie helped us understand our son’s fears and gave us a plan we could follow every day. The difference in just a week was incredible!” — Amanda K.

Parent Review:
“I was dreading potty training my picky toddler, but Katie’s consultation gave us clarity and confidence. We finally feel like we’re on the right track!” — Rachel B.

Ready to Stop the Guesswork?

If potty training has you feeling stuck, a 1:1 consultation can change everything. You’ll walk away with:
✅ A personalized plan for your child
✅ Proven strategies that actually work
✅ Ongoing support so you don’t feel alone in the process

✨ Or, if you want a self-paced option, my digital potty training course gives you a clear roadmap from start to finish.

👉 Book your consultation today or grab the course and let’s make potty training easier for both you and your child!

The post Why You Should Book a Potty Training Consultation with a Potty Trainer appeared first on Burnt Pancakes.

Here’s the truth: the #1 mistake parents make with potty training is giving up too soon (or falling into inconsistent habits).

Why This Backfires

Potty training is a skill, just like learning to walk or ride a bike. It takes time, practice, and a lot of patience. When parents stop and start, prompt too often, or give up after a rough patch, it sends mixed messages to kids.

Instead of building confidence, it can make kids more resistant or confused about what’s expected.

Some signs this might be happening:

• You’re prompting every 15 minutes, which makes your child push back.
• You go back and forth between underwear, pull-ups, and diapers depending on the day.
• After a rough week, you pause potty training “for now” and end up restarting again the next day.

Quick Fixes That Help

If you see yourself in any of those scenarios, don’t worry, you’re not alone. And the good news? Small shifts can make a big difference.

1. Stick With It (But Adjust Your Approach)

If your child is showing readiness signs, don’t abandon potty training after the first setback. Instead, adjust how you’re supporting them. Get expert tips and support from Katie Fenske, a potty training consultant. Learn more HERE.

2. Prompt Less, Encourage More

Instead of constant reminders (“Do you need to go? Do you need to go now?”), try natural prompts:

• Before leaving the house
• After meals
• Before bed
  This builds routine without the overwhelm.

3. Stay Consistent

Children thrive on predictability. If you’ve decided to ditch the diapers, stick with it. Don’t use Pull-ups when you go out and then switch back to requiring potty training at home. Mixed signals only make potty training take longer.

The Bottom Line

Potty training doesn’t have to drag on for months or feel like a daily battle. With consistency, the right amount of prompting, and a little patience, your child will get there.

And if you’re tired of piecing it together on your own?

✨ My digital potty training course gives you a step-by-step roadmap so you don’t have to guess what comes next. From starting strong to navigating setbacks, you’ll know exactly what to do.

👉 Check out the course HERE

You don’t have to do this alone — I’ll walk you through it.

Want to speak with Katie and get support on your potty training journey?

Schedule a 1:1 Potty Training Consultation with Katie today. Click HERE to learn more.

The post The #1 Mistake Parents Make When Potty Training (And What to Do Instead) appeared first on Burnt Pancakes.

This is one of the most common potty training struggles parents face and it usually comes down to one thing: fear of peeing without a diaper.

Why Do Kids Hold Their Pee?

Think about it this way: your child has spent their whole life peeing in a diaper. It’s warm, secure, and familiar. Take that away, and suddenly their body feels different. Peeing without that safety net can feel scary and unpredictable.

I like to compare it to what I experienced after giving birth. I had a catheter during labor, and when it was removed, the nurse told me I needed to pee within an hour. But my body was still numb, and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t make it happen. The more the nurses reminded me, the more anxious I got and the harder it became. Eventually, I was uncomfortable and stressed, which only made the whole situation worse.

For toddlers, it’s a very similar experience. They want to pee, but their brain and body aren’t cooperating in this new and different way. Add in pressure from parents (“Just try! You need to pee!”) and it only increases their anxiety. The result? Holding it for hours.

What You Can Do If Your Child is Holding Pee

The good news is: this is common, and it won’t last forever. With time and patience, kids learn that peeing without a diaper is safe and normal. Here are some things you can do to help:

1. Stay Calm

Your child will pick up on your stress. If you’re anxious, they’ll get more anxious too. Keep your tone light and casual. Remind yourself: this is a phase, and it will pass.

2. Limit Prompting

It’s tempting to keep asking, “Do you need to pee?” every 5 minutes. But too much prompting creates pressure, and pressure creates resistance. Offer the potty at natural times (like before leaving the house or after a meal), but don’t overdo it.

3. Encourage Peeing Without a Diaper…Anywhere

Right now, success doesn’t have to mean peeing in the potty. If your child is scared, encourage them to pee in the bathtub, outside in the grass, standing in the shower, or even standing in the kitchen. The goal is to get them used to releasing without a diaper first. You can work on aiming for the potty later.

4. Try Relaxation Tricks

Help your child’s body relax so peeing feels easier:

• Blow bubbles together (relaxing the diaphragm helps release the bladder too).
• Let them splash or play in warm water.
• Run the faucet or fill a cup of water and have them pour it out while sitting on the potty. The sound alone can help trigger a release.

5. Offer Extra Liquids

Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids so their bladder is full and the urge to go is stronger. Fun cups, straws, smoothies, or popsicles can help increase their fluid intake without it feeling like a chore.

The Bottom Line

Holding pee during potty training isn’t defiance, it’s fear. Peeing without a diaper is a brand-new skill, and like all new skills, it takes time and practice. With patience, calm encouragement, and a few creative strategies, your child will learn to trust their body again.

Remember, every child gets there eventually. The goal isn’t perfection right away — it’s progress.

✨ If potty training has you stressed (and your child stuck), I’ve got resources to help:

• My digital potty training course gives you the step-by-step plan to move through tricky challenges like withholding.
• For personalized guidance, you can book a 1:1 consultation with me — together we’ll make a plan that fits your child’s personality and your parenting style.

👉 Check out the course HERE
👉 Book your consultation HERE

The post Fear of Peeing Without a Diaper: What Parents Need to Know appeared first on Burnt Pancakes.

This is one of the most common potty training struggles I see with families, and it can leave parents feeling frustrated, confused, and honestly… a little gross. The good news? Once you understand why your child is resisting, it’s much easier to help them move past it.

Let’s break down the three most common reasons kids won’t poop in the potty.

1. Fear of Pooping Without a Diaper

For a lot of kids, pooping in a diaper feels safe. The pressure of the diaper, the routine of how it feels — it’s all predictable and comforting. When you suddenly take that away, it can feel scary and out of control.

That fear often leads to withholding — when kids hold their poop for hours or even days. Unfortunately, the longer they hold it, the harder and more uncomfortable pooping becomes… which just adds to the fear cycle.

💡 Tip: If your child is scared, go slowly. Offer them the chance to poop in a pull-up while sitting on the potty as a transition step. Gradually, you can work toward having them go without it.

2. Underwear Confusion

Here’s something most parents don’t realize: underwear can feel an awful lot like a diaper to a young child.

So when your child is in underwear (or even pull-ups), their brain might still think, “Oh, it’s diaper time — I can poop here!” Accidents in underwear aren’t usually defiance — they’re confusion.

💡 Tip: If this sounds like your child, try having some naked time at home or using loose shorts with no underwear. This removes the “diaper-like” feeling and helps them start to connect pooping with the potty instead.

3. Body Awareness Isn’t There Yet

Some kids simply don’t recognize the urge to poop until it’s too late. They’re happily playing one minute, and the next minute — oops, there it is.

It’s not that they don’t want to use the potty. They genuinely don’t notice the signals their body is sending until after the poop has already started.

💡 Tip: Build a routine by having your child sit on the potty about 20–30 minutes after meals. This takes advantage of the body’s natural reflex to poop after eating. Even if nothing happens at first, you’re helping them learn what it feels like when their body is ready.

The Bottom Line

If your child is struggling with poop training, the most important thing to remember is this: they aren’t being naughty. There’s always a reason behind the resistance — fear, confusion, or lack of awareness. Once you figure out their reason, you can guide them through it with patience and consistency.

You don’t have to tackle it alone — and you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

Need More Help with Potty Training?

✨ My digital potty training course walks you through the exact steps to go from diapers to potty success (without tears and power struggles).

✨ Or, if you’d like personalized support, I offer 1:1 potty training consultations where we make a plan tailored to your child’s unique challenges.

The post 3 Reasons Kids Won’t Poop in the Potty (And What to Do About It) appeared first on Burnt Pancakes.

Let’s break down 3 things you didn’t know about potty training (but definitely should):

1. You Don’t Know How Your Child Will React Until You Take the Diaper Off

You can read all the books and take all the courses (hopefully mine 😉), but nothing gives you more insight than that first diaper-free day. Some kids surprise you and take to it quickly. Others freeze, melt down, or pretend they’ve never heard of a potty in their life.

That’s totally normal.
The truth is, the real learning starts when the diaper comes off and your child feels what it’s like to go without it. Their reaction will guide your next steps—and the only way to know is to try.

2. Potty Training Isn’t Just About Pee and Poop

It’s actually a huge emotional milestone. For your child, using the potty is about independence, body awareness, and sometimes even control. For you, it’s about learning to step back and trust your child in a new way.

That’s why patience, encouragement, and a low-pressure vibe matter way more than perfection. Your child isn’t just learning a new skill—they’re growing up right in front of you.

3. You Don’t Have to “Wait Until They’re Ready” Forever

Yes, readiness is important. But many parents take that advice to mean never start until your child begs for the potty. The truth? Sometimes kids need a gentle nudge.

With the right support, environment, and plan, you can help create the conditions for readiness. Think of potty training as a team effort—one that you can lead with confidence.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re curious about when and how to take that diaper off, my Digital Potty Training Course walks you through the entire process—prep, day one, setbacks, daycare transitions, and more.

And if you’re feeling nervous (or totally overwhelmed), I offer 1:1 consultations where we build a personalized potty plan that works for your child.

Let’s ditch diapers together—and laugh a little along the way.

The post 3 Things You Didn’t Know About Potty Training appeared first on Burnt Pancakes.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to start potty training, a 3-day weekend might just be your golden ticket (or should we say, golden potty?). Those extra 72 hours give you the gift of consistency, focus, and time at home—everything you need to kick off potty training with confidence.

Let’s be honest: potty training can feel overwhelming. But with the right plan—and a long weekend—you can make huge progress and set the stage for long-term success. Here’s why a 3-day weekend works so well, and how to make the most of it.

Why Long Weekends are Ideal for Potty Training

1. You’re home.
No daycare drop-offs, no errands, no rushing out the door. Staying close to home gives your child a consistent environment where they feel safe and relaxed—key ingredients for potty learning.

2. You can focus.
Potty training takes your attention too. A long weekend allows you to be present, patient, and responsive without work or weekday obligations pulling you in every direction.

3. You build momentum.
Three days in a row lets your child learn through repetition. By the end of the weekend, many kids start to understand the rhythm of using the potty and communicating their needs.

The 3 Simple Steps to Start Potty Training

Once you’ve cleared your weekend calendar, it’s time to get started! My proven 3-step method keeps things simple and effective:

Step 1: Bare Buns

Let your child go without pants or underwear at home. This helps them feel when they’re going and makes it easier for you to get them to the potty in time. Plus, it keeps things simple—no clothes to manage.

Step 2: Commando

After a few of going bare, transition to loose pants without underwear. This helps kids maintain their potty awareness while learning to pull clothing up and down—an important part of the process.

Step 3: Underwear

Once your child is staying dry during the day, it’s time for the big moment—underwear! This is a milestone that helps build confidence and independence.

Ready to Start Potty Training with Confidence?

Don’t go it alone! My Potty Training Course walks you through exactly what to do before, during, and after your potty training weekend—with expert tips, troubleshooting advice, and real-life examples.

Need more personalized support? I also offer 1:1 consultations, including a 45-minute session or an extended plan with texting access so you’re never stuck guessing what to do next.

👉 Check out the course or book a consultation today—and make the most of your next 3-day weekend! Let’s ditch the diapers together.

The post Why a 3-Day Weekend is the Perfect Time to Start Potty Training appeared first on Burnt Pancakes.

Potty training is… A LOT.
It’s messy, unpredictable, and often feels like it requires a degree in toddler psychology—plus a mop, a prayer, and plenty of snacks for survival.

If you’re knee-deep in puddles, poop protests, or power struggles, let me start by saying:
You are not alone.
And you’re not doing it wrong.

Potty Training Isn’t Linear

There are ups. There are downs.
There are amazing days when your toddler proudly flushes and cheers—and then suddenly, a full-blown meltdown over the wrong underwear.

This is normal. Potty training doesn’t follow a straight line. Some days will feel like huge wins. Others? Like you’ve gone backward.

The truth is, your toddler is learning something brand new—something that requires:

• Awareness of their body
• The ability to pause play and listen to signals
• The courage to do something unfamiliar and sometimes scary

That’s a big deal for a tiny human.

You’re Not Failing—They’re Just Learning

When your child resists, regresses, or even withholds (yes, poop withholding is a thing), it’s easy to blame yourself. But don’t.

They’re not broken. And you’re not failing.

What they need most is:

• Patience
• Encouragement
• A calm, consistent plan
• And someone in their corner (that’s you!)

Need Support? I’ve Got You.

Whether you’re just starting out, hitting a rough patch, or totally stuck—I have resources to help:

🎉 My Digital Potty Training Course

It’s self-paced, easy to follow, and designed to walk you through every stage—from prepping to potty to poops to public restrooms.

💬 1:1 Potty Consultations

If you want a custom plan, personalized support, and someone to cheer you on (and troubleshoot when things get tricky), I offer one-on-one consults too.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Potty training is a huge milestone—but it shouldn’t take over your life or your relationship with your child.

Let me help make it smoother, less stressful, and maybe even a little fun.

👉 Check out my potty training course
👉 Book a 1:1 consult with me

You’ve got this. And I’m right here cheering you on—every step of the way.

The post Potty Training Is a Lot—But You’re Not Doing It Wrong appeared first on Burnt Pancakes.

They suddenly refuse to poop.

You know they need to. You can see the wiggles, the clenched cheeks, the hide-and-seek bathroom avoidance. But no matter how many sticker charts or silly dances you try, they hold it in like it’s a game.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not doing anything wrong. Poop withholding is a super common potty training challenge. And believe it or not, it often pops up after kids have seemed totally trained.

Let’s break down why it happens, how it affects your child, and what you can do to help.

Common Reasons Toddlers Withhold Poop

1. Scary (but Common) Bathroom Experiences

Sometimes all it takes is one bad moment—like a loud automatic toilet flush in a public restroom—to make your toddler think the potty is out to get them.

Been there? Same. One unexpected poop in the bathtub left my newly potty-trained son terrified of pooping for months.

Another common culprit: painful poops. If your child has had a hard or uncomfortable bowel movement, they may start associating the potty with pain. And when pooping = pain, they’ll hold it in to avoid going. Unfortunately, that only leads to more discomfort.

2. Environmental Distractions

Toddlers are BUSY. There are blocks to stack, snacks to eat, shows to finish. When they feel the urge to go, many kids ignore it because they’re mid-play or mid-episode.

This isn’t fear—it’s FOMO. But the result is the same: your kiddo holds it in too long and ends up uncomfortable, constipated, or scared to try again.

The Long-Term Impact of Withholding

When a child repeatedly holds in poop, their bowel movements become more difficult and painful. This can lead to a cycle of:

• Clenching and resisting
• Constipation
• Stomachaches and bloating
• Increased anxiety about pooping

It’s a tough cycle—for them and for you.

What Can You Do to Help?

💛 1. Make Potty Time a Positive Experience

If your child has had a scary or painful poop, reassure them that their body is learning. Sit with them, encourage them gently, and use body-positive, shame-free language.

Celebrate the small wins—even just sitting on the toilet is a step in the right direction!

🌱 2. Add a Daily Prebiotic Supplement

If withholding is causing constipation or discomfort, a kid-friendly prebiotic like Begin Health’s Daily Growing Up Prebiotics may help.

Each serving includes 3g of fiber to support digestion and help soften stools, making bathroom time easier and less intimidating.

Kids are more likely to go when they’re comfortable—and that’s half the battle!

You’re Not Alone—and I’m Here to Help

Withholding can feel like a mystery, especially when potty training was going so well. But you’re not doing anything wrong. And you don’t have to navigate this stage alone.

👏 Want more help?

Check out my digital potty training course—designed to walk you through every stage of potty training, including tricky issues like withholding.

Need personalized support? I also offer 1:1 potty training consultations where we build a custom plan tailored to your child’s needs.

✅ Ready to take the stress out of potty training?

👉 Click here to explore my course
👉 Book a 1:1 consultation with me

You’ve got this. And I’ve got your back—one poop at a time. 💩✨

The post Why Is My Toddler Withholding Poop? appeared first on Burnt Pancakes.