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Family Factors

Resource Type

Parent Handouts and Info - Parent

Description

Toileting training is a huge milestone in your child's development and independence. Many things like parental support, firm limits, and a positive attitude are important so your child can "do it myself!".

Ages

All Ages

Age Groups

Toddlerhood (1-3), Preschool/Kindergarten (3-5), School Age (6-12)

Web Address

http://resources.childhealthcare.org/cocoon/dtw/parent-text/elimination/family_factors.html

Languages

English

Family factors

Family factors

As a parent you have a very important role in your child's toilet training. You assist the process and set the emotional tone. If you feel tense your child will feel tense. If you are confident and relaxed, your child will be too. However, it is really your child who is in control of toilet training. For perhaps the first time your child is really becoming independent. This is a big step in your child's development. Now more than ever sticking to limits and being flexible at times are important. These sound like contradictory things, but they are not. Your child needs to feel safe and also feel as if they have some control over their 'world'. Now is the time to encourage that "Do it myself" attitude in your 2-year old. But don't back off established limits like safety rules and bedtimes. This is what makes your 2-year feel safe enough to "do it myself".

How parents are getting along with each other also affects potty training. If there is a lot of arguing, kids may express their fear through stool refusal or accidents. Remember, this is the one area you can't force them to do it your way. Also if parents disagree on how to toilet train, kids may be confused. Take time with your partner to make a plan about how you will approach toilet training (See also: Normal toilet training pt). If you don't agree with your partner about toilet training then at least agree to disagree. Then make one parent in charge of toilet training.

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