Alison Schonwald works with families of children ages 4 and older to develop consistent toileting habits. Here are four pieces of advice she offers to her readers.
Alison Schonwald, author of "The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Potty Training Problems," offers the following tips (with my two cents added in) for parents trying to get over this seemingly insurmountable hurdle.
- Consider the steps in the potty training process. Before you begin be sure your child recognizes the urge to use the bathroom. Particularly with children plagued by encopresis he or she may not recognize this urge.
- Have all caregivers agree on the method and time of toilet raining.
- Accentuate the positive, encouraging and rewarding small steps but never punishing for setbacks. Consider using a chart or another type of reinforcement that motivates your child.
- Don't create a power struggle. You'll drive yourself and your child crazy. Instead, invite your child to cooperate.
