Sleeping & Potty Training Problems for Toddlers
For many parents, getting a toddler to sleep and use the toilet independently can be a trying time. Though Elizabeth Pantley--author of several parenting books--says that 98 percent of children are potty-trained by age four, common setbacks can lead to frustrations for both parents and children. In addition, toddlers may experience sleep problems such as night waking, which can be troublesome for parents.
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Determining Readiness
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Because parents often are ready to say good-bye to diapers, they may push a child too soon, which can result in potty-training problems. According to Dr. William Sears, potty-training is a complex skill and takes time and maturity to master. Signs that your child may be ready for potty-training include an understanding of wet, dry and go. A child must also be able to follow a simple direction and be able to put his own pants on or require little help.
Common Potty-Training Concerns
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According to Pantley, author of "The No-Cry Potty-Training Solution," more than 80 percent of children experience potty-training setbacks at some point. Some parents may be concerned about nighttime and naptime wetting; however, Pantley argues that nighttime dryness can be be achieved when the child's physiology supports it. Many children have no problem urinating in the toilet; however, emptying their bowels may be more difficult. Fear of the unknown may hold some children back. Those children may benefit from a small wrapped gift every time they have a bowel movement on the toilet. Also, fear may make some children constipated. Try fruits and fruit juices to help loosen stool. A wet wipe instead of dry, rough toilet paper may also help the child feel more comfortable.
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Expert Insight
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Dr. William Sears knows parents may be in a time crunch when it comes to toilet training. Because of that, he offers advice for parents who need to train in only a couple of days because of day care requirements or a vacation. He says to first make sure your child is ready. Then, prepare your child with books, and finally, show your child how to use the toilet with a doll that wets (see Resources).
Fixing Common Sleep Problems
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Pantley, author of "The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers" suggests a consistent bedtime and awaking time are the keys to solving many major sleep problems. These -- along with a regular daily nap -- will help set your child's biological clock and help her to feel tired at bedtime. Help this by dimming the lights an hour prior to bedtime and expose light in the morning to help her wake up. In addition to a consistent waking and sleeping times, send sleep signals to your child with a regular, cozy routine that will help your child relax.
Medical Causes
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Sometimes when all else fails, common nighttime problems may be linked to a deeper medical cause. Food sensitivities or allergies may keep a child awake and possibly gassy. In addition, an ear infection or other common ailment may cause a child pain and make sleeping difficult. Check for a yellow discharge coming from the nose or eyes. Finally, pinworms may be a medical cause for night waking and sleep problems. Check for scratch marks around the child's anus or for white, thread-like worms when the child has a bowel movement.
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