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Potty Training Question

Expert Q&A

By Vincent Iannelli, M.D., About.com

Created: February 19, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Q. My 18 month old daughter uses the potty quite willingly, but only when Daddy is home. He works from 8 in the morning 'till 6 at night. Between those times she has to be in diapers. But as soon as dad gets home she is happy and more than willing to use the potty and I was wondering why? And what can I do to get her to use the potty when daddy isn't home? Amanda, Fenelon Falls, Ontario

A. Since she is only 18 months old, a time when many toddlers either have no interest in potty training or are just getting started, you might just wait until she shows more interest in using the potty when daddy isn't home.

Many parents would worry that if you try and push her to use the potty more during the day, she might resist, lose interest, and stop using the potty altogether.

Also consider that this is a nice thing for her to share with her father. I bet it makes him feel good to think that this is a special activity that they share right now. You might not want to do anything to take that away from him right now.

If you really think she is ready to use the potty more often, it might help to:

  • have her call daddy during the day when she tries to use the potty
  • have daddy call regularly during the day to ask her if she has used the potty
  • figure out what daddy is doing to get her so excited to use the potty when he is home and try those same methods. Does he get more excited than you do when you uses the potty?

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