02_yr_FAQ.html

WHAT ARE THE ‘TERRIBLE TWO’S” AND WHAT CAN I DO FOR THEM?
Parents often refer to the behavior of their 2 year old as the “terrible two’s”. These behaviors, or temper tantrums often take the form of crying and screaming, body-thrashing, breath-holding, breaking objects, or jumping up and down. These displays of frustration and anger are a normal part of the development of the two year old as they want to be in control and they want to be independent and make their own choices. Most experts recommend that the parents try to ignore these behaviors unless the child is in danger of hurting someone, including themselves, or if the behavior is occurring in a public place. In such situations, it is recommended that the child be removed to a quiet, secluded place, where he is allowed to calm down.

HOW DO I GO ABOUT POTTY-TRAINING MY CHILD?
First of all, be alert for the signs that your child is exhibiting indicating readiness for potty-training. Unless or until the child is ready, potty-training will be a very frustrating time for both of you. Your child may be ready for toilet training if he or she:

• Stays dry for at least two hours during the day or is dry after naps.
• Has bowel movements that are regular and predictable.
• Indicates through posture or actions that he or she is about to have a bowel movement or urinate.
• Can follow simple instructions.
• Can walk to the bathroom, undress, and dress again with minimal assistance.
• Seems uncomfortable with wet or dirty diapers.
• Tells you when he or she has a wet or dirty diaper.
• Asks to use the potty chair or toilet
• Asks to wear “big-boy” or “big-girl” underwear.

Once you have determined that your child is ready, start toilet training by allowing the child to sit on his own potty-chair or to sit on the toilet dressed to get over any fear the child may have. Once the child is comfortable with the toilet, take off his diaper prior to sitting down on the toilet. Be very patient and supportive of the child during this process. If the child urinates or has a bowel movement in the toilet praise him but never be negative to the child if he uses the diaper instead. Encourage the child to tell you when he feels the need to use the toilet, even if it means you have to take him to the bathroom every few minutes. With time and positive reinforcement, the child will become potty trained (but usually at his own pace, not yours).

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD GO TO THE DENTIST?
If the child has not had his first dental check-up by this time, you should schedule one now, or at least by his third birthday.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY CHILD BITES OR HITS ME OR OTHERS?
Most experts agree that it makes no sense to teach a child not to bite by biting them, or not to hit by hitting them. In fact, this response often reinforces the exact behavior you are trying to eliminate. Putting the child in “time-out” may be effective with this kind of behavior, as it may distract the child from whatever it was that upset him in the first place.

WHEN DOES MY CHILD RETURN FOR HIS NEXT HEALTH SUPERVISION VISIT?
At 3 years of age your child should have his next health supervision visit.