- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Susan Bartell Licensed Psychologist | ||
 |
My 2-year-old was potty training for almost three months, and then we had a new baby. Since then, he's reverted back to having accidents. What should I do?
This is very normal and expected. In fact, even without the new baby it's possible that a 2-year-old, especially a boy, would have accidents frequently. A time of upheaval in the family is not a good time to be potty training. In addition, the conflict of the new baby in diapers, who gets so much attention, may make it difficult for him to give up his, which may be part of why he's having accidents again.
I'd suggest waiting at least a couple of months to really try again with a full committed effort. Wait until your son is showing signs of having fully adjusted to the baby before really focusing on training him. In addition, you will have the energy necessary to helping him make the transition out of diapers. If he needs to be in PULL-UPS consistently for now, that's fine, don't make him feel ashamed of it. Many children have a first, unsuccessful attempt at training when they are very young and then a successful one several months or even a year or more later. The most important thing to remember is that your son needs to feel good about himself and about being a big brother.
Related Expert Q&A
- My husband doesn't seem to have any patience when it comes to potty training our son. How can I get him on board and get him to understand it's a long process that needs lots of positive energy?
- My son wants to watch me go to the bathroom. We are in the potty training process, but I feel it's more appropriate for him to watch his dad. What do you think?
- What's the line between praising/encouraging and discipline when it comes to potty training?
- My 2-year-old son bangs his head when he goes to sleep. Does this mean that he is being abused or is he disturbed about something?
- What is the best way to ensure children's safety in the backyard? A fence is not possible at this point. We live in a small suburb in a safe neighborhood, but I want to ensure my children's safety while playing.
More Answers by this Expert
- My 5-month-old son wakes up every half-hour after 4 a.m. How do I get him out of this routine?
- We have a 7-month-old and are expecting our second child. They will be 14 months apart. Do we need a second crib?
- I have 1-year-old twins and another baby on the way. Is it OK to have all three children in the same room?
- One of infant twins is suffering from colic, and they share a room. Should I separate them?
- What are your thoughts about allowing a 5-year-old to continue to sleep with his parents instead of her own bed in her own room?