Pottying regression?

[EmilyF]

My three year old, Patrick, has started peeing his pants a couple of times a day. He was injured and in a cast that meant he was dependent for his pottying needs.

This has me feeling exhausted. It's been one hit after another this summer.

What do I do it about this?

 

[Darkhorse]

Try lots of hugs and attention, and (if he's mobile enough) maybe finding a new way for him to take care of his own needs (like peeing in a jar or bed urnal instead of the toilet). Mostly hugs, though - and patience!

Does he have his crotch enclosed in a cast? One of my sons broke his leg when he was about that age, and wore a "crotch cast" over both legs with the seat open - he had to use diapers, and it was a mess. We dried him several times a day under the cast with a hair dryer, but it was still often wet - and we got a visit from Child Protective Services when the doctor took it off!

 

[EmilyF]

He's out of the cast. he peed in a pop bottle when it was on. It worked the best. It's now he's mobile again that he's regressed. His crotch was not enclosed and he wouldn't go on himself. He was still a hot mess.

I'm sorry that CPS came. I can't imagine that. Patrick had so many raw spots under the cast including an infected spot at the small of his back.

I was sure that we'd get a visit because of the injury though.

 

[ex-pat]

Could it simply be a case of wanting to feel as safe and protected as a baby again? I know when my goddaughter suffered some emotional trauma as a 14 month old she wouldn't hold her sippy cup or bottle anymore, she wanted it held for her, so she had the additional security of being snuggled close to me. It took a while for her to get back to normal. Maybe your Patrick is feeling unsure of himself, and afraid he will hurt himself again (if it was a recurable thing, like falling off a swing) now that he's back on his feet. When he was in the cast, he knew you were there for him all the time, now he's back to being expected to be independent and his insecurity takes over and wants a regression to get back some closeness. Lots of things go on in a preschooler's mind, but the best way to handle it is with a few more hugs and snuggle times during the day, and reminders to use the toilet after breakfast and every 2-3 hours, till it becomes a routine for him again. Good luck!

 

[Mayzoo]

Regression in a three year old without trauma is not uncommon from what I understand. With any trauma seems likely to increase the chances.

Figure out an item or treat he really wants, then create a reward/sticker system that rewards his successes. After he earns enough stickers, either for staying dry or for using the potty, then he earns that treat or item. Then try again and again until he is re-trained. When he has a slip up, just make him clean up any of the mess and change his own clothes without making a big deal out of it.

Other option, is to maybe use whatever tactic work to get him potty trained, try it again for a while.