Acknowledgements - gapitc

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Potty Training
Read a book such as Dora’s Potty Book by Melissa Torres or Fuzzy Bear’s Potty Book
by Bentley Dawn.
A book will help your child learn that “going to the potty” is a natural part of life.
As you diaper or put your child on the toilet or potty chair, explain that everyone
uses the bathroom. Tell your child that his body will tell him when he needs
to use the bathroom and you will help him.
When you find that your child is ready to begin potty training, praise all efforts.
One way to do this is to make a chart and put a sticker or draw a smiley face in
a square each time he “tries.” Do this in small steps. Reinforce attempts to sit on
the potty even if he does not actually “go to the potty.” Later he can earn stickers
for “going in the potty” and then telling you that he needs to “use the “potty.”
Use a different type of “reward” if stickers are not appealing to your child.
Avoid pressure to use the toilet too early, or criticism for soiling accidents.
Children have their own developmental timetable for successful potty training.
Your patience and support will help your child reach this milestone!
Zap Those Germs!
Before and after mealtimes, toileting, and trips outdoors, make hand washing a
regular part of your daily routine.
Place a step stool in front of the sink so your child can reach it better. Supervise
carefully to prevent falling.
Show your child how to squirt a drop of liquid “zapper” (soap) into her hands
and help her rub hands under warm water.
Tell her that she is “zapping the yucky germs” that make us sick and washing
them down the drain.
Encourage her to dry her hands on her “own” towel that is hung on a low hook.
Also help your child practice washing hands in the bathtub.
Teaching your child to wash her hands is one of the best things you can do to
help her stay healthy.