Q&A: What should I do when my toddler fights diaper changes and refuses to use the potty?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg and I talk about... What to do when your toddler refuses the potty and fights diaper changes, leaving you stuck in a frustrating in-between stage. Why diaper changes and potty training resistance is often less about the potty and more about control and autonomy. Common ways power struggles often show up during diaper changes and potty training. Simple and practical strategies to give your child more agency without losing necessary boundaries to reduce tension and make diaper changes feel less like a battle. Creative strategies to build positive associations with the bathroom. What it looks like to go slower with potty training, and why that can be more effective. This episode will help you approach diaper changes and potty training with less pressure, more clarity, and practical strategies to reduce the daily struggles while supporting your child's growing independence. REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES: 👉 Want extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and coaching to give parents the tools to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and learn how to most effectively support their child. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services and schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the support that's right for your family. CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE: 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode with a deep dive into potty training 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how pediatric pelvic health can impact potty training, bed wetting and constipation with Quiara Smith 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about what to do if your toddler is otherwise potty trained, but still won't poop on the potty 🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to handle potty regressions in older children WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Go to to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

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Q&A: What should I do when my toddler fights diaper changes and refuses to use the potty? is an episode from Securely Attached by Dr. Sarah Bren.

This episode is 15:42 long.

This episode was published on May 7, 2026.

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