When Potty Training Feels Like One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

There’s this thing that happens in potty training no one talks about enough:

💩 Your toddler seems to get it…
… and then suddenly, they don’t.

Maybe they were dry all day for a week straight.
Maybe they pooped in the potty for the first time and you threw a mini party.
Maybe you finally let yourself exhale.

And then — boom. Accidents, refusals, or flat-out resistance.

You start wondering:
Did I mess something up? Did we move too fast? Are we back at square one?

Here’s the good news:
You’re not doing it wrong.
And you’re definitely not back at square one.

Why it happens

Potty training is a skill, not a switch.
It’s a neurological, emotional, and physical process — and like any skill, it can be clunky and inconsistent, especially at first.

Your toddler is learning a lot all at once:
– Recognizing body signals
– Stopping what they’re doing
– Getting to the potty in time
– Managing emotions and transitions
– Doing something that still feels a little weird and new

Even as they know what to do, it’s normal for the actual doing to ebb and flow.

This doesn’t mean they’re not learning.
It means they’re human.

So what can you do when things get wobbly?

🧠 Normalize it: Regression is part of learning. Expect it — and don’t let it throw you off.
🤝 Stay connected: Toddlers respond better to support than pressure. Think teamwork over tactics.
🎮 Bring it back to play: Re-engage through pretend play, role modeling, and rituals that feel safe and fun.
🗓️ Trust the process: This isn’t a 3-day sprint. Give yourself (and them) permission to go slow.

You’re not failing — you’re parenting.

The truth is, this stage is messy. It asks a lot of you — patience, flexibility, and energy you might not always have. It’s normal to feel tired. It’s normal to feel unsure. And it’s normal to want this part to just be done already.

But the fact that you’re here, reading this, trying to understand what’s going on and how to help?

That’s what makes you a good parent.

This isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection.
And even when it’s hard (or smells weird), you’re doing a really great job. 💛