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Resources for Providers and Families |
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For the Provider Area of Concern: Resisting Toilet Learning Simple techniques can encourage most children 2 1/2 years of age and older who are resisting toilet learning. Pressure can be removed by returning the child to diapers and offering “big kid” underwear as an incentive. Disposable pull-up training pants can delay toilet learning. Independent toileting symbolizes growing up and some loss of intimate caregiving. Acknowledging this and helping the parent and child create alternative intimate moments such as “cuddle time” can further toilet learning progress. Assess for the possibility of physical or sexual abuse in cases of extreme fears or significant delays or regression associated with toilet learning. Area of Concern: Toileting Fears Toileting fears, such as fears of falling into the toilet or losing genitalia, are common in early childhood. These fears can result in withholding or toilet refusal. Suggest use of a potty chair or toilet insert or allowing children to sit backward on the toilet for security. Tell children that their genitalia are “theirs forever.” Suggest exploration of the toilet and its pipes to desensitize children to their fears. Assess for the possibility of physical or sexual abuse in cases of extreme fears or significant delays or regression associated with toilet learning. Area of Concern: Stool Refusal In cases of stool refusal, help ensure that children produce one or two soft, nonpainful stools per day by recommending a high-fiber diet and sufficient fluids and, if necessary, regularly giving the child mineral oil, laxatives, or fiber supplements before stool has a chance to build up. Address parental control issues and the child’s fears while allowing the child to use a diaper. In persistent cases (i.e., those lasting more than 6 months), consider other interventions, including referral to a mental health professional or developmental-behavioral pediatrician. Assess for the possibility of physical or sexual abuse in cases of extreme fears or significant delays or regression associated with toilet learning. For the Family Psychological Readiness and Motor Skills Needed for Toilet Training Increasing Confidence and Self-Esteem During Toilet Training Problems With Soiling and Bowel Control Frankel A. 2007. Once Upon a Potty-Boy. and Once Upon a Potty-Girl. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books Ltd. Learning Through Entertainment. 1996. It’s Potty Time. Dallas, TX: Learning Through Entertainment. It’s Potty Time. 2000. Duke Family Series. 60 min. DVD. Learning Through Entertainment. Rogers F. 1997. Going to the Potty. New York, NY: Putnam & Grosset Group. |