2/14/01
Question 67
Dear Preschool Education,
Help! I am a teacher in a toddler classroom and am
in charge of potty training. Do you have any suggestions on how to
approach this? What do I do when the child is ready for undies and the
parent doesn't agree? Are rewards (stickers) a good idea?
Sinking in the potty
Dear Sinking in the potty,
Each child will be ready at their own
pace. Usually they have to be able to tell you they are wet or need to
go potty. If a child stays dry for several hours they are ready
to try. If they want to sit on the potty, don't discourage this!
Even if you know they aren't ready. The parents usually provide
the diapers, so tell them how much cheaper panties are! Find out why
they don't want to use panties, do they want their child to
remain a baby? It does happen.
Some children respond to stickers. Try
verbal rewards like clapping and cheering first. Maybe a chart if they
are old enough to understand that each time they go potty, they get a
sticker on the chart. Then they can show mommy or daddy.
Keep trying until you find what works. Each child may need a
different incentive! Try the free ones first.
Jackie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
