93 percent are dry at the age of four. The average age for being dry at
night is about four years. Pooping success tends to come after peeing
success. In general, boys potty train later than girls, and daytime
dryness almost always comes before nighttime dryness.
What to Do: Look for readiness signs in your child. Signs for potty
readiness include interest in the toilet, randomly peeing in the toilet,
being consistently dry between changings, and more often than not
going to the potty at changing time. Do not continue to ask, “Do you
have to go potty?” if the child repeatedly denies the urge. Instead,
after the child shows the signs of readiness, put the child on the pot at
regular intervals during the day and praise him if he goes.
- Day care drop-off
Erroneous Expectation: Parents expect their children to easily
separate from them when the children are dropped off at school or day
care.
The Reality: It is common for children ages eight to fourteen months
to experience difficulty separating from their parents. Believe it or
not, your children’s crying or tantruming when you try to drop them
off at day care or elsewhere may be a good sign that they have a
strong relationship with you. Kids can also go through phases where
they appear “clingy,” but by age six they should separate comfortably
from you.
What to Do: Prepare your child for the drop-off by making him feel
more in control of the morning events or give him something to
comfort him during the day, such as a family picture or a special
blanket. Then become Master of the Quick Exit. Kiss the kids good-
bye, tell them when you’ll see them again, and get out of there! Call