Supernanny Book Review #5

Summer vacations are done. School has started. Fortunately our library has a liberal renewal policy, and I’m still hanging onto Supernanny : How to Get the Best from Your Children. Today we talk Toilet Training.

The first step in toilet training is knowing when your child is ready. Jo reminds us of the two prerequisites: First, the child has to have physical control over his bowels and or bladder. (Note, control over these two functions don’t necessarily arrive at the same time.) This is usually occurs earlier than the next step. Second, the child must have the intellectual ability to understand the process and communicate his need to potty. Your child must be able to tell you – or grandma… or the baby sitter – that he needs to potty. This is probably around age 3, give or take a few months. Once your got the prerequisites in place, it’s all up to you, Mom and Dad.

As with many things, when it comes to parenting a toddler the keys are praise and consistency. When the child does well, reward her. We use M&Ms at our house: One for sitting, two for peeing, and three for pooping. A little treat for a job well done. When there is an accident – and there will be accidents – don’t make a big deal of it. Odds are this isn’t malicious misbehavior, so there’s no need to scold or punish. Help your child understand what went wrong (Another reason why communication skills are a prerequisite.), and carry on.

Now consistency. If you ever needed a reminder that raising kids isn’t about the parents’ convenience, this is it. When the say they’ve got to go, take them. Accept that you will be late on more than one occasion because they say they have to go at the last minute. Got a long trip planned? Well, if you haven’t started potty training, I’d advise you to wait until you get back. If, on the other hand you’ve already begun, suck it up and add 30% to you travel time estimates. This is not the time to explore back country roads.

In addition to the absence of poopy diapers in your trash or laundry and extra dollars in your pocketbook, there is another bright side I thought of. Here is your chance to bug your child. Soon, if it hasn’t already started, your child will be asking you the infamous “Why?” question 1,000 times a day. Potty training is your revenge. You get to ask them, “Do you have to potty?” 1,000 times a day. Yes, they’ll get annoyed. But if you’re consistent and positive, you’re child will be done with the diapers and strutting around in Underoos in a matter of days.

Next: Eating (what goes out must come in, or something like that. )

Order Supernanny : How to Get the Best from Your Children from Amazon.com