🌿 Potty Regression: How I Got My 3-Year-Old Back on Track in Just 3 Days

And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, your toddler can throw you a curveball. For us, that curveball came in the form of potty regression. After months of success, our 3-year-old daughter, Livi, suddenly started having accidents again. I’m not so sure you can even call them accidents anymore when every potty break winds up in her pants! I kept asking myself… What had changed? Was it a phase, or was I doing something wrong? I heard of this happening, but what was the solution?.

For about four days, Livi seemed to have forgotten everything we had worked so hard to teach her. The accidents became more frequent and consistent. She even pooped in the pool twice! 💩🤢 (don’t worry we shocked it…twice) I started to feel the familiar stress of trying to figure out how to help her get back on track. I’m not going to lie I even resorted to bribing her with ice-cream, but nothing seemed to work! But after some thought and trial and error, I discovered a way to motivate Livi to overcome this setback—and it all boiled down to offering a simple but powerful incentive.

What Happened During the Regression?

Potty training had been going well for us. Livi had mastered the art of using the potty, and we had celebrated her successes together. But then, out of nowhere, we hit a roadblock. She started having accidents again, even though she had been doing so well. At first, I thought it might just be a fluke, but after several days of repeated accidents, I knew it was time to address it.

As a mother, it was hard not to feel frustrated. I had been there, done that, and thought we had moved past this stage. But the reality is, potty regression is incredibly common, and it can happen for a variety of reasons: stress, changes in routine, a new sibling, or even just because they’re testing their independence. No matter the cause, I had to find a way to approach the situation calmly and positively.

The Solution: A Reward System

I’ve always been a fan of positive reinforcement, and after reflecting on the situation, I realized that Livi needed a little extra motivation to get back on track. After talking with her about how important it was to stay dry and use the potty, I came up with an idea: a reward system.

She has asked me to take her to the Zoo to feed the giraffes so I told her, “If you don’t have any accidents all week, we can go to the zoo this weekend and see all the animals!” The idea of visiting the zoo was exciting enough to capture her attention and give her a clear goal to work towards. Every day when she did go on the potty we celebrated and high fived and I told her I was so very proud of her! The thought of a visit to the Zoo was a fun and tangible reward that felt special to her—something that was just for her hard work.

How The Reward System Worked

We kept things simple and focused on the reward without making it feel like a punishment. I told her that every day she stayed dry, she would get a sticker to put on her chart. If she had an accident, she wouldn’t get a sticker, but I made sure to reassure her that it was okay and that she could try again the next day. No guilt, no shame—just a gentle reminder that she could do it.

We made a big deal about the sticker chart, and she was so proud of her progress. Each day without accidents, she saw her chart filling up, and she began to feel a sense of accomplishment. Livi loved the idea of earning stickers for doing something she already knew how to do. The zoo visit was her light at the end of the tunnel, and every day she worked toward it.

The Turnaround: Back on Track in Just 3 Days

By the  third day, Livi had fully embraced the idea. She went three days without a single accident, and we celebrated every dry day. The final sticker on her chart marked the end of her regression, and she was more excited than ever about our upcoming zoo trip.

That weekend, we went to the zoo, and she couldn’t have been happier! Not only did she get to see her favorite animals & feed the giraffes, but she also felt a huge sense of pride in herself for sticking to her goal. The experience taught her that there are rewards for hard work—and that setbacks don’t last forever if you stay positive and keep trying.

Lessons Learned

1. Potty Regression is Normal: Regression is a phase, and it’s a common part of the potty training process. It doesn’t mean your child is failing; it just means they need a little more support during this time.
2. Positive Reinforcement Works: Offering a reward system can help re-motivate your child without making them feel pressured. In Livi’s case, the reward of a fun outing worked wonders, but it could be anything that excites your child.
3. Patience is Key: Even though it was tough for a few days, staying calm and patient helped me avoid pushing too hard and gave Livi the space she needed to feel confident in herself again.
4. Communication is Important: I made sure to have a conversation with Livi about why we were working on potty training, and I gave her the opportunity to be involved in setting goals. It helped her feel like an active participant in the process.

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Potty regression is just one of those parenting challenges that come and go, but thankfully it doesn’t last forever (even thought while your in it it can feel like forever). Livi’s journey taught me that with a little patience, positive reinforcement, and a fun reward system, you can get your child back on track without frustration. The zoo trip wasn’t just a fun outing; it was a celebration of Livi’s hard work and a reminder that every child has their own timeline.

So, to all the mamas out there dealing with potty regression, remember—stay calm, stay patient, and find a way to make the process fun. With a little encouragement, your child will be back on track before you know it!

To dry days and happy milestones,
Cole 🚽🧻🦒
RN | Holistic Health Advocate | Founder of Mama Naturally

Have you experienced potty regression with your little one? What strategies have worked for you? Share your tips and stories in the comments below—I’d love to hear what’s helped your child get back on track! 👇🏻