Even if your child uses the potty the first time she sits on it, sooner or later an accident is bound to occur. Most youngsters think that once training is over, they can go back to wetting in their clothes. Perhaps they do not understand that they are supposed to keep using the potty, or they misjudge how long it takes to get to the potty and get their pants down, or maybe they just don't feel like using it. After your child has urinated in the potty one time, she does understand what she's supposed to do, so respond to accidents after that point by saying that they are unacceptable. Some youngsters are highly sensitive, so a little disapproval goes a long way. Be firm when you say, “No! Don't wet your pants!” but do not yell.

Each time your child wets or soils, have her practice telling the difference between wet and dry pants or clean and messy ones. Have her check her pants and tell you if they are wet or dry (or clean or soiled). Then have her practice hurrying to the potty from the spot where you discovered the accident and back again five times. Each time she gets to the potty, she lowers her pants, sits briefly, raises her pants, and returns to where you discovered the accident. Even if you feel you are nagging, keep urging her to move quickly. The secret to avoiding accidents is going to the potty as soon as the urge hits and getting pants off fast.

If your child has a tantrum when forced to practice hurrying to the potty after an accident, let the tantrum run its course before you continue with the session. Pick up where she left off as soon as she calms down. When the practice session ends, encourage your child to participate in cleaning up and changing, but do not insist that she help.

While changing her, work on the self-affirmations by saying, “Mommy doesn't like wet pants. She wants you to urinate in the potty. Will you urinate in the potty?” so she will say or think, “I will urinate in the potty.”