Guest: Annie Close, Pediatric Occupational Therapist & Founder of OWN Pediatric Therapy

Potty training is often treated like a high-stakes behavioral exam, but what if the struggle isn't about "willpower" at all? In this episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with pediatric pelvic health expert Annie Close to discuss why so many families hit a wall with potty training. We dive deep into the physiological "puzzle pieces"—like pelvic floor tension and chronic constipation—that can trigger a child’s fight-or-flight response and lead to those frustrating "sneaky" accidents.

• The Mindset Shift: Why we should treat potty training like learning to ride a bike—a complex motor skill that requires patience, not a three-day "miracle."
• The Sneaky Enemy: How chronic constipation (even if your child poops daily) can create "mega-rectums" and "sneaky peas."
• The Physical Signs of Readiness: It’s more than just age. We discuss interoception (the ability to feel what’s happening inside the body) and the ability to pause during play.
• The "Poop Whistle" & Other Tools: Actionable tips to help your child relax their pelvic floor, including deep breathing, party blowers, and proper toilet positioning.
• The Behavioral Bank Account: Dr. Courtney explains how to avoid "withdrawals" (constant commands) and focus on "deposits" (connection and curiosity).
• Identifying the Signs: What "W-sitting" or the "Vincent’s Curtsy" can tell you about your child’s pelvic floor strength and withholding habits.

1. Constipation is a Stop Sign: You cannot successfully potty train a constipated child. Address the gut health and stool consistency first to avoid creating a cycle of painful pooping and withholding.
2. Language Matters: Swap "Go sit on the potty" for curiosity-based scripts like, "Let’s see what your body is trying to tell you."
3. Model the Cues: Talk out loud about your own body’s signals. "My bladder feels full; I’m going to go listen to my body and use the restroom."
4. Reward the Effort, Not the Result: Use sticker charts for sitting and trying rather than the physical act of peeing or pooping, which a child cannot always control.

• OWN Pediatric Therapy: Annie Close’s practice specializing in pediatric bowel, bladder, and pelvic health. https://www.ownpediatrictherapy.com/
• Integrated Behavioral Health: Dr. Courtney’s group practice in Colorado, offering support for behavioral and developmental hurdles. https://www.integratedbhs.com/
• Connect on Social: Follow us for more tips on raising kids these days! @integratedbh

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Legal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at info@integratedbhs.com to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.