Parents

should also show and explain what the potty is for. A

child should get comfortable sitting on the potty even if

they need to wear their clothes at first. All fears about

the potty should be relieved before training is tried.

Once training has begun, the parent should suggest

frequent trips to the potty. A parent should look for

signs that a child needs to go and point this out to the

child.

Children

trying to toilet train should be dressed in easily

removed clothes. Parents should expect accidents and

accept them without criticism. Once a child is having

regular success on his potty, underwear or training pants

should be introduced for the daytime. Underwear and

training pants help the child feel grown-up. Cloth

underclothes may also feel uncomfortable when wet and

this might encourage a child to use the potty.

Parents

should teach their children how to ensure good hygiene. A

parent should teach children how to wipe appropriately

and to always wash their hands after using the potty.

Once

daytime training has been mastered, nighttime training

can be attempted. A clue to a child's readiness for

nighttime training is an occasional dry overnight diaper.

Nighttime training sometimes happens at the same time as

daytime training. However, many children may take longer.

As with daytime training, expect accidents. In fact, it

is normal for children to wet the bed until the age of 6.

If any

concerns arise during toilet training, parents can

consult their health care providers. There are many

resource books available for the parent of the toilet

training as well. Some suggestions are, "What to

Expect the Toddler Years" by Arlene Eisenberg,

"Your Growing Child" by Penelope Leach, and

"Toilet Training, A Practical Guide to Daytime and

Nighttime Training" by Vicki Lansky.

The Fayette

County Health Department also has handouts parents can

have to learn more about toilet training their children.

It is important for parents to understand the issues and

challenges involved with toilet training, for parents to

be patient and follow the pace of their children and for

parents to remember to always use praise to encourage a

child rather than shame and criticism.

For

information phone the Health Department at 770-461-1178,

ext. 416.

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