Going to potty frequently

Maximize the chance of your child successfully going to the bathroom on the toilet by taking her in with you every time you have to go. The more times she tries, the better chance that she will go in the right place. Positive reinforcement will make her want to continue going to the toilet.

Brushing Hair after Bath

End the war with child´s tangles. After you wash and dry her hair, promptly put it in braids. You can have her sleep with braided hair and in the morning her hair will be much easier to comb.

Shampoo time

Swimming goggles can protect sensitive eyes from shampoo suds in the bath.

Learning in the Tub

Bathtime is a great time for learning and discussion. All the water, soap, bubbles and bath toys makes for some great science lessons. Bathtime is also a great singing and storytelling time. If it isn´t too cold, allow extra time at bathtime for your child to play and talk with you. Water is very calming and a lot of fun!

Establish Routine

In order to make bedtime easier for your child and you, establish a bedtime routine and remain faithful to it. An example of a routine is bath time, pajamas, brush teeth, go to the bathroom, talk about favorite part of the day, read a book and say goodnight. The child begins to feel comfortable with what will happen next in the sequence of events if the routine is consistent. Bedtime will be predictable and easier for all.

Talking About Abuse

Bathtime is the best time to talk about our bodies and how to care for them. Also to point out the fact that there are accpetable and unacceptable ways for people to touch each other. Some families use the terms "yummy touches" and "yucky touches". Examples of a yummy touch may be a hug or a piggy back. A yucky touch could be any physical contact that makes the child uncomfortable or invades their personal space, like a smack or unwanted kiss, for examples. Be sure to use correct terms when referring to parts of the body. This is especially important in conversations about this important topic.

Help with fear of the dark

The darkness of the night can be scary. Empower your child by giving him a flashlight which he can keep in bed. The child will have a feeling of control in his environment and will soon learn that the noises in the night really aren´t monsters.

Waking kids up happily

When it is time for your child to wake up, say "Good morning," and then grab one of her favorite books and begin reading it to her. This will help her wake up slowly and peacefully. The morning reading can turn into a fun ritual. She will be fully awake by the end of the book and the day will be off to a great start.

Help your child relax before sleeping

Want an easy way to help your child unwind and go to sleep? Establish a routine of playing the same musical tape or CD every day before nap or every night before bed. Your child will begin to associate the music with sleep and will relax when the music is on. Be sure to only play the particular CD or tape before bed for best results.

Bed Wetting

While most children are potty trained by the time they are three to four years old, wetting the bed at night (nocturnal enuresis) is still a common problem for many six to eight year old children (affecting about 8% of eight year olds). It is more common in boys and in families in which one or both parents wet the bed as a child.

Bedwetting may be caused by your child having a small bladder capacity (meaning it can not hold as much urine as children who do not wet the bed), not being able to tell when his bladder is full, or during times of stress. Very rarely is bed wetting caused by a disease or physical problem.