Ready, Set, Go!

May 21, 2018
Parenting expert Ockwell-Smith (Gentle Discipline) presents a practical, reassuring plan for toilet training based on four major components: teamwork, compassion, being informed, and offering no rewards. She begins by dispelling myths (for instance, it’s not true that girls are ready before boys) and examining the physiological and behavioral signs of “readiness” (one indicator, for instance, may be that the child’s diaper remains dry for two or more hours, indicating increasing bladder capacity). She then lays out her plan, advising that parents set aside a minimum of three to seven days to devote to the initial stage; during the first three, the parent or caregiver stays home with the child, supporting his or her learning process (rewards such as stickers or treats, she claims, are not necessary or desirable if a child is truly ready). In fact, Ockwell-Smith asserts, there is no “perfect time” to begin: put “convenience aside” and take the child’s lead. She covers all the basics: choosing a toilet (no frills is best), dealing with accidents, nighttime training, and more, and also includes a helpful question-and-answer section addressing common problems. Herself the mother of four, Ockwell-Smith has a gentle tone and commonsense approach that will assist parents facing this exciting but frequently anxiety-laden transition with their child.