Oh Crap! Potty Training

We discussed regressions a bit in chapter 3, “Myths and
Misconceptions,” but the subject warrants a little more. Remember,
regressions are backward steps. In potty training, this means your
accident-free child suddenly starts having lots of them. Most often,
you hear about regression when a family is expecting a second child,
but really, any major transition can cause a regression.
With any major transition, especially a new baby in the house, of
course your toddler wants attention. Most kids act out in some way
with the new baby. If not through potty training regression, it’s
through hitting or biting, being mean to, or simply ignoring the new
baby. This baby is getting cuddled and loved and held and can do no
wrong. Your toddler is being told, “No,” “Don’t,” “Stop.” It’s
absolutely inevitable—you’re giving your new baby more physical
attention, simply because you have to. A new baby is helpless and
demands it. So your toddler lets some of his big-boy skills slip.
Remember: negative attention is better than no attention in a child’s
mind.
How you address the older sibling’s need for more attention is up
to you. Many parents carve out special time for the toddler. I
personally recommend telling him as often as you can how much you
love both (all) of your children. That may seem obvious, but it’s
shocking how often we think our children know that we love them.
They still need to be told. And they need to be told that your heart
has enough room for everyone in your family.
I also recommend really playing up what your older child can do
and the baby can’t: “Wow! I can’t believe you can ride a tricycle.
Man, your baby sister is not even close to riding a big bike like that!”
Or, “Wow. It’s so great that you can pee on the potty and your sister