Handling Preschool Regressions: When Skills Take a Step Back

15 October 2025

Let’s face it—parenting is a rollercoaster ride. Just when you think your preschooler has finally cracked the potty-training code or mastered saying goodbye at daycare without a meltdown, boom! You’re back to puddles on the floor and tearful goodbyes like it’s day one all over again. Sound familiar?

Welcome to the world of preschool regressions.

First things first—take a deep breath. Regressions are totally normal. Yep, they’re part of the ride. And guess what? You're not alone. So let's talk about what regression really is, why it happens, and most importantly, how to handle it like the super-parent you already are.

What is Preschool Regression?

Preschool regression is when a child who has already acquired a specific skill starts to lose or “forget” it temporarily. Think potty accidents, sleep disturbances, separation anxiety, or even using baby talk again.

It’s like your little one hit the rewind button—not because they’re lazy or being “difficult,” but because their brain (and heart) is processing big changes.

Why Do Regressions Happen?

Alright, here’s the thing—your preschooler’s life is full of transitions. New siblings, starting school, moving homes, saying goodbye to a familiar caregiver—these are massive changes for a little human.

When kids feel overwhelmed, they often retreat to a time when they felt secure and in control. Regressions are their way of saying, “Hey, I need some extra love and support right now.”

Here are some common triggers:

- Big life transitions (new baby, moving, new school)
- Changes in routine (holidays, travel, illness)
- Stress or anxiety (even if it’s not obvious to us)
- Power struggles or pressure to perform
- Sleep issues or growth spurts

These triggers can set off a domino effect. And since your preschooler may not know how to articulate what they’re feeling, they show it through behavior.

Types of Preschool Regressions

Let’s break down a few types of preschool regressions that tend to pop up—and how you can spot them.

1. Potty Training Regression

So your child was proudly dry all day, and now? Accidents galore. It’s frustrating, no doubt.

What might be going on: Stress, bathroom fears, or attention-seeking behavior. Remember, accidents aren’t always about the potty—it’s usually about something deeper.

What you can do: Stay calm. Don’t punish or scold. Go back to the basics—establish a routine, use positive reinforcement, and offer gentle reminders.

2. Sleep Regression

Suddenly your good sleeper is waking at night, refusing naps, or needing you to stay in the room.

What might be going on: Fears, separation anxiety, or mental growth spurts. Their brains are developing fast and their little bodies are trying to catch up.

What you can do: Keep bedtime routines consistent and soothing. Use nightlights, favorite stuffed animals, and calming music. Offer reassurance but try not to create new habits that are hard to break later (like crawling into bed every night).

3. Social and Emotional Regression

You might notice clinginess, tantrums, or shy behavior in situations where your child used to feel confident.

What might be going on: Preschoolers are still learning to manage big emotions. When they’re tired, overwhelmed, or stressed, they may act out or withdraw.

What you can do: Label their feelings for them (“You’re feeling sad because you miss home”), offer hugs, and give them ways to express themselves through play or art.

4. Language Regression

Your child starts using baby talk, forgets words they’ve known, or stops speaking altogether in certain settings.

What might be going on: Anxiety, changes in environment, or perfectionism. Sometimes they regress to get attention or because they’re scared of getting things “wrong.”

What you can do: Respond with encouragement, not correction. Read together regularly, engage in conversation, and celebrate efforts, not perfection.

How to Respond to Preschool Regressions

Now that you’re nodding along (and maybe pulling your hair out a little less), let’s talk about your action plan.

1. Stay Calm and Be Patient

This might be the hardest part, but it’s also the most effective. Reacting with frustration or punishment can make regressions worse. Remember—it’s a phase.

Think of it like a detour, not a U-turn.

2. Acknowledge Their Feelings

Instead of saying, “You’re too old for this,” try, “It looks like you’re having a tough time. I’m here for you.”

Validating their emotions helps your child feel heard, which reduces the need for extreme behavior to get your attention.

3. Re-establish Routines

Preschoolers thrive on predictability. If your days have been chaotic, bring back structure. Regular snack times, naps, and bedtime routines help kids feel safe and secure.

Structure = security in their world.

4. Offer Choices

Power struggles can trigger regression. Give your child some control in age-appropriate ways:

- “Do you want to wear the red shoes or the blue ones?”
- “Would you like to brush your teeth before or after your story?”

Little choices = big confidence boosts.

5. Keep Practicing the Skill

Don’t give up on the skill they’ve “lost.” Keep gently encouraging them to practice, whether it’s using the potty, saying goodbye at preschool, or sleeping in their own bed.

Regression doesn’t mean they’ve unlearned it—it just means they need a little extra support right now.

When to Worry (and When Not To)

In most cases, regressions are temporary and totally normal. But here are a few signs it’s time to check in with your pediatrician or a child development specialist:

- The regression lasts more than a few weeks without improvement
- Your child is losing multiple skills at once (speech, motor, potty)
- There are sudden, severe emotional shifts (like aggression or withdrawal)
- Your intuition tells you something isn’t right

Always trust your gut—you know your child best.

Ways to Support Yourself During Your Child’s Regression

Let's not forget about you.

Parenting during a regression can feel like a test of patience (and maybe your sanity). So be kind to yourself, too.

- Talk it out with a trusted friend or parenting group
- Take breaks when you can (even a solo grocery run counts!)
- Remind yourself: This. Is. Temporary.
- Celebrate small wins (potty success, fewer tears, independent play)

Your child isn’t the only one growing—you are too.

Regression Isn’t Failure—It’s Growth in Disguise

It might feel like your child has taken a step back, but honestly? They’re preparing to leap forward. Regression often comes right before a major developmental milestone. It’s like their brain is rearranging furniture to make room for new skills.

So next time your preschooler clings a little tighter or wets the bed after months of success, remember—it’s not a failure. It’s part of the process.

You’ve got this. And more importantly, they’ve got you.

Final Thoughts

Preschool regressions are confusing, frustrating, and at times just plain messy. But they’re also a natural part of growing up.

You’re not doing anything wrong. Your child isn’t broken. They’re simply navigating a world that’s often too big for their tiny hands.

So hold space for the steps backward. They’re just another way forward, in disguise.