Self-esteem has to be encouraged.

Babies can be trained to urinate and defecate at certain regular times. My beloved wife did it with our two children with great success.

At the time when they were babies, before giving milk at the regular times advised by the nurses, my wife would prompt them with ‘shee….shee…’ sounds. This had the desire effect and they urinated before drinking their milk. Then, at certain times, after drinking milk, my wife would prompt them to defecate by having them lie down on their backs, their legs lifted slightly with sounds of umm….ummm…’ If the period between each action is right, then everything goes according to schedule. (Their life at this time is thus structured.)

As they grew older and are able to communicate, they would inform us each time they wanted to urinate or defecate. At such times, we must response immediately. After each such action, praise for informing must be given with hugs and kisses. Try it out with your child from the very first day and you can be assured they would be hardly any bed-wetting.

What has toilet training to do with success in life? On the surface, it may appear as a small insignificant matter. But, look at it as training and discipline.

In toilet training your child, you teach your child to respond appropriately, doing the right thing at necessary times. That is where discipline begins. With such training, your child learns what needs to be done and eventually the place to go to when nature calls.

Visitors would be amazed that your child knows where to go at such a young age. Through their comments as well as your telling them of your child’s ability to avoid embarrassing bed-wetting or messing up of his or her clothes. Such praises in front of visitors reinforces good habits and establishes the desirable self-esteem of your child.