It can be worrying if you have a little one who works well in routines and is a bit afraid of change.

`As a parent I can certainly empathise with your concern. However, most experts say that children usually toilet train themselves between the ages of two and a half and three and a half, so it sounds like you might have a bit of time up your sleeve in which to try a few new strategies.

You could begin with your local early developmental clinic (Plunket office or Barnados) or your Early Childhood teacher. They probably have some pamphlets which would be helpful. There are also lots of really great websites with free information. You could try www.3daypottytraining.com, www.lifefamilyeducation.com/toddler, www.tootntinkle.co.nz  Adventures in Toilet Training
.

Another great resource is the Forum part of kiwi Families and you can find all the past answers written by Susie and Paula.

If however you feel there may be a physical problem then check with your G.P. In six months time, after having tried some different strategies, and you still have a problem then contact your local Ministry of Education Office, in particular the Early Childhood Intervention Centre. This is the Department to whom referrals are made from kindergartens and Early Childhood Centres. You may self-refer and explain your problem and you will be assigned someone to put strategies in place for you.

Hope all goes well, in the meantime.

Debbie Knowles

B.A. Dip. Tch. N.Z Registered Teacher. Experienced classroom teacher. Ex Head of Learning Support Carmel College.

www.springboardnz.com

09-445-4591