

Unfortunately, this often backfires in the form of accidents, or worse, stomachaches.” “All day kids are told what to do, and this becomes something they can control. “Deciding not to poop, which in turn results in holding in urine, can be a way of getting back at mom and dad,” he says. Power conflict with parentsĪnother cause of accidents in the kindergarten age range, according to Polin, is conflict with parents. PULL QUOTE: “Parents or caregivers should do what they can to help ease and comfort the child, be very clear about expectations to continue toilet training and support them. “Parents or caregivers should do what they can to help ease and comfort the child, be very clear about expectations to continue toilet training and support them.

“This regression can be normal, and I would recommend giving your child some time to adapt and adjust to their new routine or situation,” Moorjani says.

“Potty-training setbacks can be caused by many different reasons in older kids,” notes Dr. Common causes of potty-training setbacks in 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds and older Wondering why your kiddo is having potty-training accidents long after they ditched their diapers? Here’s what the experts say. And with older kids, accidents can be a result of power struggles with their parents or caregivers.” “When potty-trained kids start preschool, they may have issues being in a new bathroom. Kenneth Polin, a pediatrician at Lurie Children’s Primary Care, Town & Country Pediatrics in Skokie, Illinois. “A few things can trigger accidents after the ‘typical’ potty-training age,” says Dr. But what about a 4- or 5-year-old having accidents (or even a 6- or 7-year-old)? Is it normal? While it may not be typical, it’s not as uncommon as you might think. Ask any parent or caregiver and they’ll tell you: The months (even the whole year) following potty training can be pretty touch and go, with errant pee and poop accidents making it clear you’re not completely out of the woods just yet.
