2torial #0832:
Learn2 Toilet Train a Toddler (continued)

Accept accidents

Be especially patient and positive when children wet their pants. In the early stages of training, accidents often happen right after the child leaves the potty. This can be exasperating, but it's understandable: The potty is strange and the diaper is familiar, so the child relaxes and--whoops!

Accidents can go on for months after the child is consistently using the toilet or potty, and usually happen:

• When the child is playing or is excited

• When the child is away from home

• When there's some stress in the child's life

• At night

Try to stay upbeat when accidents happen. Shaming or punishing the child can make him or her feel helpless, and may prolong this stage. Note: Children's nighttime control usually doesn't develop until months (sometimes years) after they've mastered daytime control. It's best to wait until daytime training is well established before addressing nighttime issues. (Using diapers at night usually won't undermine daytime progress.)

As with any new skill your child learns, your patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement will speed success--and make the process much more pleasant for both of you.

-end-

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