Top

10

Doctor insights on: Cognitive Theory And Potty Training

Be patient: Babies have different responses to potty training. Some are so self sufficient, independent, that they will resist anything that is n ot their idea. Others will allow you to provide direction and comply with your requests. Methods will vary depending of the personality of the child. Try not to make a big issue of it, set an example, reward successful use of the potty, do not punish failure. A great resource is a DVD called Baby Songs by Hap Palmer, the vignette “today I took my diapers off” motivates many an independent minded child to take charge of the process. Available online at Babysongs.com, the original one. ...Read more

When Ready: Many people have many indicators for readiness. The best sign I have seen is when the child wants changed every time they are wet, they generally can be trained in 2 wks. Although there is no real research, this seems to work. ...Read more

Wait until ready: He/she may not be developmentally ready for potty training yet. Children need some core skills in order to potty train easily: able to say, 'i need to go potty' or the like, able to pull down/back up pants independently, wakes up dry in the morning. Without these skills it will be more difficult, so waiting is best. Most children potty train between 2 and 4, so there is a broad range of normal. ...Read more

Around 2: Most kids train around their second birthday. However, with any developmental milestone, age varies from child to child. You should not "expect" him to be trained by now, nor can he sing the national anthem yet. But he may be showing signs of interest, and then it's ok to start working with him. Many toddlers show some initial interest and then back away. Be patient and work with them, not against. ...Read more

On the contrary!: Sounds like both of you are having fun with potty time! please continue what your doing ! potty time should be a relaxing time! multitasking this early never hurt anybody! you are doing great ! barney books always get the job done ;). ...Read more

Put him back in : pull-ups without discussing the issue unless he brings it up, then affirm that those public potties scared him a little, but that he chooses when the potties at home, preschool, etc. flush. Put small, safe toys in a glass bowl on top of the fridge. When he asks what they're for, the say, " Oh, they're for when you choose to pee-pee & poo-poo in the potty." Being casual is key. ...Read more

Put her clothes on: If you have done rehearsal & she knows where the stuff is the best thing you can do is become her assistant, not her drill sergeant. A strong willed child must first understand when she gets the feeling she needs to go, & feel happy she is responding to that need.Telling her no more than twice a day that you will help is crucial. You can provide incentives for doing big girl things but relax. ...Read more

Monitored: Your child is young enough that her excursions to the bathroom should be monitored so you are aware of her health. She's learning, so may not know how to interpret her body signals. ...Read more

Caudal regression: syndrome, in which parts of the lower half of the body do not develop properly, is rare, but less rare in infants of diabetic mothers. If the lower spine & sacrum (pelvic bone) are malformed or the sacrum is absent, problems controlling bowel and bladder can occur. Ask her pediatrician to look for physical findings, then (s)he'll order X-rays or MRI & make appropriate referrals, if CRS is present. ...Read more

Depends on the child: Most kids get interested in the potty around 18 mo. & train by 2 yrs. If their parents start taking them along every time the parents use the toilet. Put the kiddy potty on the bathroom floor so that your child can sit on it while you use the regular one. Start your child with clothes on;after a few days, go to just diaper, then, when your child's ready, to bare-bottom. Lots of praise & rewards help! ...Read more