Toilet training methods, clinical interventions, and recommendations.

One area of pediatric care that strongly presents an opportunity for anticipatory guidance and clinical intervention is that of toilet training. Because most toilet training problems presenting to the health care practitioner reflect inappropriate training efforts and parental pressure, providers can, by consulting with parents, elucidate and address misconceptions parents have about the toilet training process, help parents to develop appropriate expectations about toilet training, and provide information, guidance, and support to parents for managing this potentially frustrating process. And although there already exists a plethora of information on child development in toilet training that parents can access and refer to, parents often solicit the support of health care providers at this particular stage in their child’s development. The health care provider’s role in toilet training is really a combination of needs assessment, information-gathering, education, counseling and support, short-term strategizing, and follow-up measures. This article focuses on approaches to and strategies for advising and guiding parents through supporting their child during the toilet training process.