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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Entrenamiento para ir al baño #3/Potty training #3


ENGLISH VERSION BELOW
Mi primer artículo de la serie habló sobre las etapas del entrenamiento para ir al baño, mi segundo artículo sobre tips y productos que podemos comprar para ayudarnos con el proceso. En este tercer artículo creo que es importante hablar algunas otras situaciones que pueden presentarse:

"Accidentes": aún cuando tu hijo ya controle el proceso para ir al baño, es de esperarse que tenga algunos "accidentes". Algunos niños no dominan el proceso de entrenamiento sino hasta los 6 u 8 años de edad. Es muy común que los niños no vayan al baño porque están jugando o haciendo algo que consideran mas importante, y cuando deciden ir ya es demasiado tarde. Hay que tratar de no darle mucha importancia al "accidente" para que el niño no se sienta humillado o apenado por lo que pasó. Cambia la ropa y dile algo que lo haga sentir tranquilo.

Regresiones: algunas ocasiones los niños que ya casi dominan el entrenamiento pueden entrar en una etapa de regresión. Generalmente es debido a estrés, como un nuevo bebé en la familia, mudarse de casas, cambiar su cuarto, visita de familiares, nueva escuela, etc. Es importante comprender la inseguridad que el niño siente en estos momentos. Posiblemente hasta sea necesario volver a los pañales por algún tiempo; procura que este cambio no se vea como un "castigo" sino como un medio para que el nino se sienta cómodo y no le de miedo perder el control y "tener accidentes" . Cuando la situacion que provocó el estres ya no exista, es la oportunidad de comenzar de nuevo.

Lucha de poderes: Si tu hijo o hija se enoja cada vez que le recuerdas ir al baño, o si se aguanta y decide no usarlo, o empieza a tener mas y mas accidentes, posiblemente ustedes se encuentran en una lucha de poderes. Es hora de poner paz y darse un tiempo. Cuando ella este lista para continuar te lo hará saber.

Control en la noche: regularmente el control del baño durante el día se domina primero que el de la noche. La mayoria los niños dominan los dos para finales de los tres años, sin embargo, hay algunos pequeños que necesitan usar calzones especiales para dormir durante algunos años más. Existen varias razones para estto como inmadurez de la vejiga, sueño muy pesado que impida al niño responder a la señal de que necesita ir al baño, o a algún otro problema. Siempre es recomendable que consultes con pediatra para saber que es lo que está pasando o saber como ayudar a tu hijo en el proceso.

Estos por supuesto son sólo algunas situaciones que pueden presentarse, si tu sabes de otras, escríbeme un comentario. Dime que opinas o comparte algunos otros tips que tengas, recuerda que por cada comentario que escribas tendrás una entrada para la rifa de la última canasta de Huggies, que se rifará el próximo lunes 3 de Agosto a la media noche (PT). Checa aquí todos los detalles. Y no te olvides de checar www.subeabordoygana.com donde puedes acumular puntos y ganar muchos premios.

ENGLISH VERSION
My first article in this series spoke about the Potty Training Stages, and the second, about tips and products to help us with the process. This final post covers other situations that may arise during training.

"Accidents": Even when your child seems to have mastered the process you should expect to have some "accidents". Some kids are not 100% potty trained until 6 to 8 years of age. It's also common for some kids to forget to "listen" to their bodies because they are playing or are intensely focussed on something. Then, when they finally "hear" their bodies, it's too late. Try not to pay too much attention to the accident such that your child feels ashamed, just change his clothes and say something to make him know that everything is ok.

Regression: You may expect some regression during the process. Usually a stressor, like a new baby in the family, new school, a move, a change of rooms, visitors, etc., will result in some regression. It's important to be empathetic. For a time, you may need to go back to diapers, just do so in such a way that your child doesn't see it as a punishment. When the stressful situation is under control you can start over.

Power struggles: If your child gets mad at you when you ask her to go to the potty, or if she decides to hold it, or if she starts having more and more accidents, these may be signs of a power struggle and a signal that it's time to call a truce. Wait a while longer and she will let you know when she is ready to continue.

Night control: Usually, daytime control is achieved first, then nighttime control. Most kids, but by no means all, achieve both day and nighttime control by the end of their third year. Many children may need to use sleep underpants for a few years more. The reasons for this may vary, from an immature bladder, to extremely heavy sleep patterns, to just plain genetics, or to some specific problem. Consult with your pediatrician if you think there may be a problem.

These are just some of the issues you may encounter during the potty training process. If you know of others, or if you have other tips or suggestions, leave a comment. Remember that you will get one entry per comment to participate in the last Huggies gift basket giveaway. A lucky winner will be chosen next Monday, August 3rd, at 11:59 pm PST. Check here for the details. And don't forget to check www.enjoytheriderewards.com where you can accumulate points and win prizes!

7 comments:

  1. Como ves Silvia? Huggies debería ser mi sponsor también ya que hago mención de sus productos en mi último post, jajaja, ni modo, dejo de comprar para el más grande pero continúo con el de la pancita!
    Besos y buen día!

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  2. We are potty training right now and use M&M's like you stated in a previous post. It seems to be working very well. However, my daughter was a bit different and just woke up one day and decided to use the potty! I hope other mom's are as lucky as we are!

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  3. Any hints for a 10 year old who's doctor finds nothing wrong even though the boy continues to wet the bed?

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  4. My son is 9 years old, and up to about 8 he was still having trouble prioritizing... if he was having too much fun. The funny thing is he wouldn't completely pee, only "a little" would come out, almost like a reminder that more was coming and he'd better run for the bathroom. At first I didn't think it was a big deal but I eventually had to sit down and talk to him, asking if anything was wrong, if it hurt, if he didn't feel it coming.... you know just lots of questions.
    He said he just didn't want to go yet because he was playing. So we worked or prioritizing and now no more stinky pee pee underwear to wash.... I forgot... I still have the babies to wash ( :

    Hi Diego, my nephew has the same problem. It has been really hard on him because he is scared of sleepovers. He was diagnosed with ADHD a couple of years ago and they think it's related. I think the best thing for you to do is have him talk to a child psychologist.

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  5. My son is only 7 months, but I'm already 5 months pregnant, so I know potty training is going to be CRAZY! Someone suggested to me using a doll, and having the doll get "potty trained" along with your child!

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  6. After much deliberation, reading Slivia's posts and good ol' Dr. Brazelton's book I finally started the potty training of my 2 1/2 yr old. Last night I wrapped up our little potty chair with streamers of colored paper and curly ribbon. She loved it! She hasn't used it but she did sit on it for some time while watching a little tv. At bedtime I asked her if she had a good day and what her favorite part of the day was. She said "New potty!" without hesitation. Wish me luck!

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  7. We bribed our older son with candy if he took our little one to the bathroom to let him "watch" and if they were both successfull everyone got rewarded. Horray...we have even had 3 nights dry, and 4 weeks (daytime) now with only one accident. I am sure that once baby arrives, the potty habits may change! We'll see!!! Thanks Silvia for all your great posts!

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