Kids Atlanta - February 16, 2009

Call of Doodie

Potty Training Tips from Moms on Call

Few things try parental patience like toilet training, so we dialed up pediatric nurse, mother of three, and Moms on Call’s toddler expert Jennifer Walker for her top tips on can command.

Be Poopared
Fill a basket with books and toys to pass toilet time and use an attachable, adjustable seat so cleanup is just a flush. Avoid separate plastic potties — nobody likes to scoop the poop.

Don’t Hold It
Some things can’t wait, so choose a way-to-go stash of dollar toys or candy rather than a delayed-gratification sticker chart.

No Pushing
Ignore conventional potty pressure. Though girls might tackle toilet training as early as 18 months, boys generally ditch diapers sometime between 2 and 3 years.

S%#! Happens
Toddlers make their marks an average of only 60 percent of the time. Handle the other 40 percent with as little drama as possible so as not to stress the little tinklers.

For more tips on potty training and other child care challenges, go to momsoncall.com.

Need more help with bathroom duty? Check out our other local editions.

SEE
Big Apple Circus’s Play On
What: New show features a jazzy mix of classical, soul, and rock ’n’ roll.
Why: It’s a big time under the big top.
When: Thru Mar. 7.
Where: Stone Mountain Park, Hwy. 78 E., Stone Mountain. Tickets at 888-541-3750 or online at bigapplecircus.org.

GIDDYAP
East Cobb Stables Pony Rides
What: Kids get guided treks on Buddy the pony.
Why: They’re hot to trot.
When: Every Wed., 2-3 p.m.
Where: 1649 Johnson Ferry Rd. NE, Marietta (678-560-9154).

BUY
Children’s Boutique Warehouse Sale
What: Huge sale of discounted kids’ gear from more than 30 local stores and designers.
Why: It’s off the rails.
When: Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Brock Built Warehouse, 1429 Fairmont Ave., at Huff Rd. (404-876-1359).