By Dr. Roger McIntire

Just when it seems you’re getting the knack of parenting, your child enters the “No” stage. Learn how to handle the power struggle between you and your toddler.

Two-year-old Joshua’s “No!” is accompanied by a sly look at Mom. He is testing his mother’s limits, but he is also trying to navigate his own limits. He is asking, “Are my parents a part of me, or do we think independently?”

You’ve just started to finally make some parenting progress on the basics of sleeping, eating, and successful toilet training . . . and then the “No” stage takes over.

Weary parents, don’t despair! Here are some tips to help you manage these trying times.

Your Child and No!

A few months ago Joshua learned his hand was part of him, and his mommy’s finger between his first teeth was not. This leads to two conclusions: Biting mommy’s fingers doesn’t hurt him but the consequences vary, and biting his own fingers hurts every time.

Not long after this discovery of independence, the milestones of eating, sleeping, and toilet training become the early battlegrounds for the “No” stage. Here, a child has an advantage because he has his own inside information: “Aren’t you hungry?” “No.”

The power struggle begins.

Your Role As Parent

For the first time, parents don’t have complete information or control. They can’t directly force a child to eat, sleep, or use the bathroom (successfully). They need their child’s cooperation, and the child quickly discovers that there is power in that!

Parents may view these early power struggles as a time to be strong, but they are also a time to begin giving away some control and allowing a child practice in being independent.

Its great if your showing your tot how to potty train.

Potty training is a daunting experience for toddlers and parents alike. Mom and Dad are anxious to get their tots out of diapers and the wee ones can’t decide if they are about to pee pee or have already done the deed. Too see what other desperate parents are doing ,

While many children start to shows signs of potty readiness by 18–24 months, not every kiddo falls in that category. For those that aren’t quite into the bathroom antics, parents can send their lil ones to a six-week program at Children’s Hospital in Boston or others like it around the country. At potty school, pediatric nurse practitioner Kimberly Dunn uses books, music, and art to encourage potty usage. It often turns out that many tots are hindered by medical conditions or fear of using the toilet.

Potty U program graduates walk out sans diapers. Hip, hip, her Hanes! Hip, hip, his Hanes!

If you couldn’t get your child in cotton undies by age four, would you consider enrolling him in potty classes?

Source

Here is something all parents should know that Huggies is the best diaper ever made. Ive had lots of experience with them a been taking care of babies for ten years and I’m a mother. You get less leaks with them,and their very stretchy and strong. I have tried other diapers but they only gave him rashes and it always leaked. They might be more pricey but their worth the money and less hassle.