I did something crazy this summer — I planned a mini road trip smack in the middle of potty-training my toddler.
I know, I committed a big parenting no-no, because when you potty-train your child, you need to be DEVOTED to their schedule. There are no breaks. But did I ever say I was perfect?
Naturally, our mini trip completely threw my kiddo off her potty-training schedule, and we had some regression – and many accidents.
How can parents make a potty-training schedule easier when traveling? Did cave parents in the B.C. era struggle with potty-training schedules eons ago like they do today?
Advice from a pro
Here’s what pediatric urology specialist Samantha Eaker of Aeroflow Urology, DNP, CPNP-PC, told me about vacations and potty-training:
Basically, it’s completely normal for children to struggle with bowel control, especially during the summer months, as a lack of structure and changes in routine cause children to lose control of their bowels.
“Increased sweating (water loss) in the warmer months can contribute to dehydration and, thus, concentrated urine,” explained Eaker. “Concentrated urine can irritate the bladder and exacerbate incontinence. Furthermore, dehydration can cause or worsen constipation or incomplete stool emptying, which is a common risk factor for incontinence.”
If your child is struggling greatly with potty-training, consult your pediatrician. And never be embarrassed to ask away! When I looked for a pediatrician for my child, I made sure that I’d feel comfortable asking her questions.
To pee or not to pee
Eaker advises “a comprehensive examination from your child’s pediatrician, and possibly a specialist, will be imperative to determine what is contributing to and/or causing your child’s incontinence so effective treatment options can be implemented.”
Stress can be a factor, as well as general genetics and some general developmental delays. For instance, my child has some developmental delays which play a factor in our struggles in maintaining a strict potty schedule.
Also, don’t hesitate to ask a urologist or urology specialist for help. Now that summer is winding down, and I consulted with my kid’s doctors, I am ready to try potty-training her again. For my daughter, it boiled down to her needing more water in her diet (my kid hates water, so I try to supplement with lots of fruits, etc.) to help “push things out” and also constant step-by-step charts to work on her potty schedule and keep her needing to #1 and #2 in a healthy way.
It takes work, it takes a village, but I least I know being off-kilter during the summer months is really common for toddlers learning to use the toilet.
Having reassurance that your kid isn’t “the only one” makes this whole potty-training journey much easier.
