Study: Potty training challenges common, with anxiety and setbacks affecting many families

Study: Potty training challenges common, with anxiety and setbacks affecting many families | Image Credit: © Tomsickova - stock.adobe.com.

A new nationally representative report from the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital highlights the challenges many families face during toilet training. Findings from the Mott Poll on Children’s Health, based on responses from 820 parents of children aged 1 to 6, revealed that 20% of parents reported potty anxiety in their child, while another 20% said the process was more difficult than anticipated.^1,2

“Learning to use the toilet is a major step in a young child’s development and requires time, patience, and consistency,” said Mott Poll co-director and pediatrician Susan Woolford, MD. “Our report demonstrates that parents are approaching potty training thoughtfully but for many families and their kids, the process often includes setbacks, frustrations, and moments of uncertainty.”

Most parents surveyed began potty training around age 2. However, 21% started earlier, and 22% began at age 3. While the majority believed they initiated training at the appropriate time, some expressed concerns that they had started too soon or too late. Practical factors influenced their decision-making; for instance, 20% of parents said the cost of diapers contributed to their choice, and others cited preschool or daycare enrollment requirements.

“Waiting until a child is truly ready can make the process smoother for everyone,” Woolford said. “Pushing it too soon often leads to frustration and delays. But some families don’t have the flexibility to wait.”

Indicators of readiness, according to the report, include the ability to stay dry for longer intervals, an interest in bathroom routines, the capacity to follow basic directions, and the motor skills required to dress or undress independently. Some children also exhibit behavioral cues, such as hiding when they need to eliminate or imitating adult bathroom behavior.

National poll highlights the challenges many families face during potty training. | Image credit: Sara Schultz, University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.

Among parents who described potty training as difficult, common obstacles included a child’s resistance, conflicts with busy family routines, lack of coordination between home and daycare settings, and household disruptions. Specific fears—such as discomfort with loud flushing noises or adult-sized toilets—were also cited as reasons some children resisted the process.

Even after initial progress, regression was a frequent occurrence. Nearly one-third of parents reported that their child appeared to be trained but later reverted. Eight percent of parents noted medical concerns such as constipation or encopresis.

“Potty training isn’t always a straight path,” Woolford said. “Understanding that it’s a gradual process can help parents stay patient. Setbacks are normal, particularly when there are stressful events in the child’s life, such as a new sibling or a move to a new home.”

To aid in the process, parents employed various strategies, including encouraging regular toilet use, offering rewards, and allowing children to go without diapers during the day. Others turned the process into a game or made it more engaging with fun elements. Sixteen percent used the “3-day potty training” method, which may be helpful for some but can be too intense for others.

For children experiencing significant potty anxiety, Woolford recommended creating a low-pressure, positive environment.

“Turning the bathroom into a pressure-free space where they can read books or play songs that help them feel more relaxed” was one strategy she mentioned.

Other effective tools included sticker charts, toys reserved for potty time, and using child-sized toilets to provide a sense of comfort and security. Woolford emphasized that the overall approach should remain supportive and encouraging.

“Regardless of the method, the most important things are consistency, encouragement, and keeping the experience as low-pressure and supportive as possible,” Woolford said. “If a child continues to struggle, especially if there’s pain, withholding, or ongoing anxiety, parents should talk to their pediatrician for guidance and support.”

This report underscores the importance of personalized approaches and patience during toilet training, recognizing that families may face diverse challenges that require both practical strategies and professional guidance.

References:

1. Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan. Potty pressure: 1 in 5 parents report struggles with toilet training.Eurekalert. July 21, 2025. Accessed July 30, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1091501
2. Woolford SJ, Raja S, Gebremariam A, Schultz SL, Clark SJ. Navigating the path to potty training. C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, University of Michigan. Vol 47, Issue 5, July 2025. Available at: https://mottpoll.org/reports/navigating-path-potty-training.