Maintain Authority When Your Child Resists

When your child refuses, respond with confidence: "We don't say 'no' to Mommy about potty time. Using your underwear for peeing isn't an option." Alternatively, say: "We don't say 'no' to Mommy about potty time. You must let Mommy know when your body needs to go." When tantrums occur, understand that this is normal - your child is attempting to regain some control over their situation. During accidents, guide your child to the bathroom immediately (regardless of any protests), help them out of their soiled underwear, and place them on the toilet seat.

When these approaches fail and the tantrum persists, calmly remove your child from the toilet, acknowledge their effort by saying "Thank you for sitting on the potty," and state: "Let's try this again in a little while." Once your child is cleaned up and has calmed down completely, address the behavior directly - explain that the reaction wasn't acceptable and reinforce that they must communicate their bathroom needs. It's perfectly reasonable to request an apology for tantrum behavior.