LOSING BATTLE
Dear Dr.Bear,
My daughter is 2 1/2 and is still not potty trained - actually I haven't really started yet - because every time I mention it to her she shakes her head "no". Is there a recommended way to approach a "willful" toddler ?
Sincerely,
Frustrated Parent
Dear Frustrated Parent,
We usually recommend putting the toilet seat out at 2 and never mentioning it. The age is 3 for girls and 4 for boys, but that means only 1/2 are trained by 3 or 4 and we never get worried until age 6. But she can worry you a lot if you push too hard. Never mention it to her, and if she sits on the seat with clothes
on, you should congratulate her. If she goes after a bath, do the same but never run her up and down the hall to the bathroom or keep suggesting or begging or rewarding, It will happen, I promise. She will be trained someday despite what your friends tell you and mother tell you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Bear
