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A Hard Habit to Break
Part Two From Diaper Donned to Toilet Trained
By April E. Clark
Parent Coach Diane Nicholson, a mother of five who has earned more than 100 graduate credits in family education, special education and child development, knows from experience that toilet training is no simple task. "Friends will tell you how easy it was to train their child," she says. "But don't believe them. You should be prepared for a strategic battle."
"Get mentally prepared because there is no turning back," says Nicholson. "Toddlers can be extremely stubborn. Don't attempt toilet training when you are very stressed. Find a time when your routine is pretty normal and you don't have anything besides toilet training to drive you crazy."
Researchers agree that patience is a virtue of successful potty training. "Toilet training, a common topic of discussion in the pediatrician's office, takes time, understanding and patience," says Dr. Timothy R. Schum, associate professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). "Toilet training is universal, and the process is often frustrating and stressful for Parent and Child."
