AboutEvelyn Petersen Expertise I give parents advice that is candid, positive and practical. I give them ideas that work and that they can use immediately, not study. My advice is based on expertise and experience in the area of early childhood education that spans 40 years of work as a professional and as a parent and grandparent. See askevelyn.com
Experience
Past/Present clients Hundreds of parents and teachers in the US and other countries
Question my daughter is 21months old and showing signs of potty training she sits on the potty but when she wants to go a wee or poo she goes on the floor how do i get her to sit on the potty when she wants to go
Answer Dear Vikki,
Go to the library or book store or to amazon.com to get the Vicki Lansky book about potty training...it is a classic and easy to use. Meanwhile, keep in mind that 21 months is probably far too young for her to know she hs to go BEFORE she goes...nor can she yet control the muscles she will need to use to stop and hold it.
The steps of development in potty training are
1. "I am wet or dirty and know it."
2. "I am going right now" but cannot hold it.
3. "I know I am going to go soon" and can hold it.
Instead of expecting that final step from her now, take her in the bathroom when you go so she sees what you want her to do...and put the potty chair in there next to the toilet. Some girls can be trained at 2 1/2 or 3. Be patient and don't get anxious or rush it...that will only make it harder. Evelyn askevelyn.com
