PARENTAL CONCERNS ASSOCIATED
WITH THE TODDLER PERIOD
Toilet Training
● One of the biggest tasks a toddler
tries to achieve
● An individualized task for each child
● It should begin and be completed
according to a child’s ability to
accomplish it, not according to a
set schedule
● Before children can begin toilet
training, they must have reached
three important developmental
levels, one physiologic and the
other two cognitive:
➔ They must have control of
rectal and urethral
sphincters, usually achieved
by the time they walk well
➔ They must have a cognitive
understanding of what it
means to hold urine and
stools until they can release
them at a certain place and
time
➔ They must have a desire to
delay immediate
gratification for a more
socially accepted action
● The markers of readiness are subtle,
but as a rule, children are ready for
toilet training when they begin to
be uncomfortable in wet diapers
● They may demonstrate by pulling
or tugging at a soiled diapers or
they may bring a parent a clean
diaper after they have soiled so they
can be changed
● Toddlers live by a pleasure principle:
they want what they want when
they want it
● Before they can complete toilet
training, they must be able to give
up an immediate pleasure:
➔ Relieving themselves
whenever they have the
urge
➔ To gain other pleasure later
on
➔ Improved physical comfort
and another step in growing
up
Ritualistic Behavior
● They will use only their spoon at
mealtime or only their blankets at
bedtime
● They will not go outside unless a
mother or a father locates their
favorite cap
Negativism
● As part of establishing their
identities as separate individuals
● They do not want to do anything as
a parent wants them to do
● Their reply to every request is a very
definite “NO”
● Can be best eliminated by limiting
the number of questions asked of
the child
● Example instead of asking “are you
ready for dinner?” it is better to say
“come to the table, Its dinnertime”
Discipline
● Discipline means setting rules or
road signs so children know what is
expected of them
● Punishment is a consequence that
results from a breakdown in
discipline or the child’s disregard of
the rules that were learned
● Parents should begin to instill some
sense of discipline early in life
because part of it involves setting
safety limits
● and protecting others or property
● Two general rules to follow
➔ Parents need to be
consistent
➔ Rules are learned best if
correct behavior is praised
rather than wrong behavior
punished
● “Time-out” is a technique to help
children learn that actions have
consequences
● Parents need to be certain their
child understands the rule they are
trying to enforce
● The parents should give one
warning
● If child repeats the behavior,
parents select an area that is non
stimulating such as a corner of a
room or a hallway
● A guide as to how long children
should remain in their time out
chair is 1 minute per year of age.
● Example a 3 year old child would
stay in the corner for 3 minutes.
Separation Anxiety
● Fear of being separated from
parents begins at 6 months of age
and persists throughout the
preschool period
● Parents say good-bye firmly
● Prolonged goodbyes only lead to
more crying
● Sneaking out prevents crying and
may ease the parents’ guilt, but it
can strengthen a child’s fear of
abandonment and so should be
discouraged
Temper Tantrums

● The child may kick, scream, stomp

feet, shout No,no,no, flail arms and
legs, bite or bang his or her against
the floor

● Occurs as a natural consequence of

toddlers’ development

● They occur because toddlers are

independent enough to know what
they want, but they do not have the
vocabulary or wisdom to express
their feelings in a more acceptable
way

● Managing toddlers temper

tantrums:

➔ Try to determine the reason

for the behavior

➔ Be certain it seems like a

tantrum, not something
more

➔ Think through what you do

when the child has
tantrums