Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Toilet Training Problems, Prevention of
DO:
- Change your child's diaper frequently.
- Teach your child to come to you when his diaper needs to
be changed.
- Let your child watch other children use the toilet or
potty chair.
- Read books about learning to use the toilet to your
child.
- At first, keep the potty chair in the room your child
usually plays in. Easy access will greatly increase the
chance that he will use it. Consider owning two potty
chairs, one for his playroom and one for the bathroom.
- Teach your child about how the toilet works.
- Suggest using the toilet or potty chair only if your
child gives a cue that he needs to go.
- Give suggestions, not demands.
- Give your child an active role and let him do it his
way.
- Be supportive.
- Keep your sense of humor.
- Keep the learning process fun. Be positive about any
interest your child shows.
DON'T:
- Don't try to start teaching your child to use the toilet
when he is in a stubborn or negative phase.
- Don't use any kind of punishment or pressure.
- Don't force your child to sit on a potty chair or keep
him on it against his will.
- Don't flush the toilet while your child is sitting on
it.
- Don't lecture or remind your child.
- Avoid friction about using the toilet.
- Avoid battles or showdowns about using the toilet.
- Don't try to control what you can't control.
- Never escalate your response, you will always lose.
- Don't appear overconcerned about this normal body
function. Be casual and relaxed during your child's
learning process.
- When your child begins to use the toilet, don't expect
perfection. Some accidents will probably occur for
months.
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Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
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Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems
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