Some books on toilet training emphasize a reward system. Now many parents feel strongly that any material reward is wrong or inappropriate when a child is learning basic behavior. Others don’t object at all. And some object only to the use of sweets.
The biggest concerns of those offering rewards is, “how and when do I stop?” and “will my child expect this forever?” According to parents who use the reward system, this is just not a problem. It’s easy to run out, and kids do accept that.
Use your imagination for ideas for rewards and consider combining material rewards with non-material ones. For some children the most effective reward might be calling grandma and grandpa to report success. For others, it’s stickers on a chart or calendar. Other material rewards that you could consider are sugarless candy or gum or some chocolate kisses, maybe a penny or two for each success.
Big boy pants or frilly girl pants or a shopping trip to get them are often helpful. Or you may want to have wrapped, small presents to choose from, especially if they’re stored in a clear plastic bowl in the bathroom.
Vicki Lansky’s practical, common sense approach to parenting is familiar to millions throughout the world. Vicki’s first book, Feed Me, I’m Yours, published in 1974, and still one of the most popular baby/toddler food cookbooks in the country, was followed by The Taming of the C.A.N.D.Y. Monster, a #1 New York Times bestseller. Her other titles include: Toilet Training, Birthday Parties Best Party Tips & Ideas For Ages 1-8, Dear Babysitter Handbook, Welcoming Your Second Baby, Getting Your Child to Sleep … and Back to Sleep, Trouble-free Travel with Children, Baby Proofing Basics and Games Babies Play From Birth to Twelve Months, Koko Bear’s New Potty, A New Baby at Koko Bear’s House, Koko Bear and the New Babysitter, and Koko Bear’s Big Earache. Vicki Lansky’s Divorce Book for Parents: Helping Children Cope with Divorce and Its Aftermath
