Jan 28, 06 | 5:14 pm

Common Mommy Questions, Part III

Q: Do you have any Potty Training Tips? How do I introduce the potty?

I think the best way to introduce the potty is to start with a slow progression. Whenever I changed my 1 year old daughter Hannah's diaper, I would smile and say, "When you are a big girl, you will use the potty just like Mommy (or insert the name of sibling)." Soon she started saying the phrase with me and it piqued her interest. A few weeks later I started having her sit on the potty, not expecting her to go, just getting her used to the potty itself. Hannah and I would take each of her dolls and stuffed animals to the bathroom to “use the potty.” We
would both clap and cheer for each toy- it was silly but it taught her that this was an important step for her to take. She would say, "I'm going to go on the potty just like Dora the Explorer!" Even Dora used the potty!

The most essential thing is to have patience and be encouraging. For both of my daughters, the sticker chart was our success. Both girls were so excited to get a sticker and we even made a huge event out of decorating and painting the chart before the process began.

Q: My 3 year old used to sleep in his bedroom but he now wakes up several times for a glass of water or to goof around. How do I get him to sleep again?

Several things could be happening. The first thing that comes to mind is that you may be putting him to bed too early, before he is tired. Wait till he starts slowing down or shows signs of being tired. Some 3 year olds don’t need a nap during the day. He may also be craving a bedtime routine. Keep the routine firmly, and explain the steps of the routine. For example, "Jake, we are now going to brush our teeth because it's important to brush our teeth before bed." Announce that it will be bedtime 15 minutes beforehand, so that he can start settling down.

Your son may also being going through a phase where he may just be craving more attention and closeness to you, especially if there is a new baby or if something new is going on in his life. The excuses to get out of bed may be his way of getting the attention he needs and going through a bedtime routine (story, tooth brushing) with him is another way to give him that special time. Make sure that you are firm with him when he does get out of bed. Immediately walk him back to his room and keep it very simple so that getting out of bed
isn't "fun."

Q: Hi, my 27 month old son is terrified of the bathtub. He used to love them but now he acts traumatized by them. What do I do?

My first suggestion is to talk with him and discuss exactly what his fear is. It could be a sensory issue, something many kids have and may require a visit to your pediatrician. However, most toddlers go through similar phases--a fear of drowning, not being able to breathe or even being sucked down the drain.

Discuss these fears and explain how you will be there to make sure he is okay. Try putting him in a bathing suit and make it a "beachy" experience with a beach ball, bucket and toys. You could also shower with him if that will help calm him. Buy some bath toys--from crayons to color change dye for the water and have your son pick them out. Put up a sticker chart and reward him for his bath time success. If you have to, it’s okay to give sponge bathes or super quick showers until the phase passes.

Article by Elana Rubin and Ron Rubin M.D. Elana is the designer and owner of FutureFashionista.com and mom of two. Dr. Ron Rubin is the father of two young daughters, ages 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 years, and husband of jewelry designer, Elana Rubin. He has practiced medicine and psychiatry for over 20 years and is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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