How To Encourage Your Child To Talk About A Potty Problem

Potty age children do not always know the right words to express emotions and problems. They have difficulty expressing themselves when the are confused, frustrated, or overwhelmed. You can feel like you're playing a guessing games, is it this or is it that? You might feel increasingly anxious if the situation concerns a change in your child's potty habits or a fear about a situation away from home.

If you want to encourage your child to talk about potty situation, start by setting up good listening conditions and then help your child find the words that fit her needs. children's concerns tend to percolate up at unexpected quieter times.

• Create listening times throughout the day when your child has your full attention in the car, on walks, on a swing, at bedtime.

• Lead with open-ended statements, notice you needed two changes of clothes at school today.

• Create a supportive environment for any possible answer, from "I HATE SCHOOL" to "YOU'RE STUPID."

• Respond to feelings, not merely to words, "SOUNDS LIKE IT WAS A ROUGH DAY" or "CAN I HELP WHEN YOU WANT TO TELL ME ABOUT IT."

• Don't rush, stay available to finish the conversation when your child is ready.

• Collect accurate information from other sources and tell your child what you think is happening, "THE DOCTOR SAYS YOU NEED SOME MEDICINE TO HELP YOU POOP. I WANT YOU TO TELL ME WHEN IT HURST SO I CAN HELP MAKE IT BETTER."