No-Cry Potty Training

What About Starting Potty Training Early with Elimination Communication?

A child can be put on the toilet even as infant, and in some cultures this is routinely done.  A small percentage of American and Canadian parents have adopted this practice, called elimination communication (EC). Before you sign up thinking your life just got a whole lot easier, you need to know that EC is not potty training. This is a way to manage a child’s waste, that is a long-lasting, gentle, gradual system that is used instead of diapers. This will replace the frequent diaper changes with frequent visits to the potty.

Help Your Child Stay Dry at Night

Bedwetting is a very normal thing among young children. About 50% of three year olds, 40% of four year olds, 20-25% of five year olds, and 10-15% of six year olds still don’t stay dry every night. Typically bedwetting goes away on its own as children get older; however, there are a few things that you can do to help your child stay dry throughout the night.

Potty Training Praise – How Much is Too Much?

It is hard to know what praise strategies you should use when your child is learning to use the potty. Should you give lots of applause and compliments? Should you show simple, matter-of-fact acceptance? What is the right response to encourage potty training success?

Researching this question doesn’t get you very far because both sides of the camp are very adamant about their opinions. Some experts say that you should absolutely give tons of positive feedback and turn potty training into a party – noisemakers, treats, songs and prizes. However, other experts say that you shouldn’t get overly emotional or excited and simply acknowledge that your child has done well.

Should You Worry About Bedwetting?

Does your child wet the bed? You may wonder if it’s normal and worry about what to do. Here are the answers.

Is it normal?

Almost half of all three-year-olds and 40% of four-year olds wet their beds multiple times a week. Additionally, 20-25% of five-year-old children and 10-15% of six-year-olds don’t stay dry every night. These percentages conclude that bedwetting, called Enuresis (“en-yur-EE-sis”), is normal behavior at these ages.

The Quick Facts on Potty Training

Many parents get the idea that potty training is a complicated, difficult undertaking, and can’t possibly be done with ease. I have good news! Potty training can be simple, pleasant, and yes, even fun. The first step is to know the facts.

Q&A with Elizabeth: Flushing Fears and Resistant BMs

My son is afraid of the flushing of the toilet. How can I get him over this fear? ~ Melissa, mother of Liam