What is it about?
We created an effective toilet training treatment for helping children who are afraid or refuse to stool in a toilet. The treatment includes giving children a diaper only when they state they need to stool and then having them stool in the diaper. We then gradually move them from their preferred stooling location (for example, behind the couch) to sitting on the toilet with or without the diaper on. If children are not ready to take the diaper off by the time they reach the toilet, we describe how to gradually remove the diaper by cutting larger and larger holes in the diaper until the stool easily passes through. We demonstrated the effectiveness of this treatment using four case studies.
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Why is it important?
Children universally go through toilet training, but many struggle. When toilet training is difficult, it creates a lot of stress and tension within the family system. Helping families learn how to support their child's toilet training in an effective way reduces that stress and helps children meet this important developmental milestone.
Perspectives
When children struggle with toilet training, I often hear caregivers say they feel like they are "failing." Every child goes through toilet training so it can seem like it is supposed to be easy. It often isn't! Creating straightforward, effective treatments is key. I am so happy to share another resource to make toilet training easier so families can get back to having fun with one another!
Dr. Jillian Austin
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A Diaper Fading Protocol to Treat Toilet Refusal: Four Case Studies, Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, August 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2023.12.009.
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