dL a Pe TL Gy ED = _ fq -WD: 7 So aA EE RIS GCA RIPceeCREAEA PF BS Making Potty Training More Like Child’s Play (NAPSA)—Being ready to use the potty can be an exciting yet challenging time in a child’s life It doesn’t have to be stressful if parents know whatto expect There’s no set age to start toilet training Parents can watch for cues such astheir child being able to follow simple instructions, help- ing to undress himself or giving verbal and facial clues that he needsto use thetoilet A child should also be emotionally ready so it’s important to be patient and encouraging Here are a few tips from “Elmo’s Potty Time,” an enter- taining DVD from Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind “Sesame Street” Rather than taking a clinical approach to potty training, the video is full of songs, stories and entertaining live-action footage @ It’s important to praise your child for small accomplishments, such as recognizing that she needs to usethe potty that promote self-confidence and togetherness The DVD also features a printed parent guide on how to make learning to “go potty” a reassuring and positive experience: e My Very Own Potty: If possi- bit of toilet paper, then flush Finally, he must wash his hands with soap and water for at least as long as it takes to sing the ABC song choose the potty and potty accessories together Let him sit on the potty a few times with his pants on, so he learns he will not fall in Help your child regain confidence ble, take your child to the store to You can also read him a book about using the potty Uh-ohGotta Go! Help your child learn to recognize the feeling she gets right before she has to go to the bathroom Whenever she gets that feeling, tell her to stop doing whatever she is doing and say, “uh-oh, gotta go!” e Wipe, Flush and Wash! Remind your child that after going he must wipe with little Keep Trying! Never scold or punish a child learning to use her potty All children have accidents by saying, “That’s okay: Next time you'll remember to use your potty” Toys and DVDs can help chil- dren process the idea In the “Potty Time” DVD, Elmo learns that everybody hasto use the toilet and he can learn to doit, too e Praise Your Child for Trying: After a few successful tries, you can keep her motivated by buying big kids’ underpants Praise your child for small accomplishments For more information, visit wwwsesameworkshopcom
