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S2E44 - Toilet Training Power Struggles: What to Say (and Not Say) to Avoid a Battle
In this episode, I respond to a question from Hannah in England about her 3.5-year-old son who is regressing in his toilet training—especially around poop. I walk through how power struggles, control, and developmental readiness all play a role in potty setbacks. I explain how enforcement choices from the child-centered model can be used to return responsibility to the child, allowing them to experience the natural consequences of their decisions without nagging, pressure, or shame.
We also talk about why school-based strategies like sticker charts and bathroom schedules often make things…
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