A reader recently asked for help with her two-year-old who refuses to use the potty at day care. She says her 28-month-old son has been diaper-free for five weeks in all situations - except when he was at day care. She's tried bringing his potty from home there; she's used reward charts; they've talked about it.
She writes:
"When I try to discuss it with him he either gets angry or says, 'Yes, I will use the potty at nursery,' but doesn't when he's there. He is quite a shy child and I am concerned that he doesn't feel independent enough or 'brave' enough to go, or ask for help. Is this kind of thing normal? Do you have any suggestions on how I (or the staff) can help him progress?"

It's impossible to advise anyone without knowing all of the facts, but I do have recommendations for strategies that can a child who won't use the potty at day care to feel more at ease in the setting. If you've had success with this type of situation, please post your suggestions as well.

Yesterday, an extraordinary woman left us. A few years ago, I found the Toddler Planet blog by Susan Nieber while looking for some science activities to do with young kids. As an astrophysicist and mom of two, she knew a few things about the subject. But you couldn't just stop by Susan's site without being drawn into her life and her light. Her writing was filled with insight and joy and generosity, while her story was filled with seemingly unbearable pain that she managed with grace.

After five years of battling a rare form of breast cancer, Susan is at peace. She has not left us - friends, fans, and the random passersby - alone. Thankfully, you can still read her words, which include years of advice, support, and hope for cancer patients, parents, and anyone else who ever needed a little lift.

Thank you, Susan, for all you gave to us. My prayers are with your family today.

I opened today's paper and groaned: "Why French Parents Are Superior." Great, another self-proclaimed expert who is going to tell me that I'm doing it all wrong.

These comparison parenting pieces always make me angry, defensive, and sad. Angry because they claim that the "better" culture is homogenous and over there all moms and dads do it right. Defensive because I take offense at someone labeling all American moms as homogeneous and "wrong" as well. And sad because the kids in these articles always appear more like lab subjects than sensitive, intelligent, loved children.

Yet, I do believe that there are things you can learn from other parents and other cultures. Read More...

I love Sesame Street! It just makes me happy to see muppets singing (especially when they are bopping along with some of my favorite pop stars) and it makes me happier to see my kids enjoy Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and even the characters I didn't grow up with -- like Elmo. In fact, DVDs of Sesame Street should be on my list of "What You Need for a Toddler" because they entertain, teach, and stimulate a child's imagination.

My son and I were lucky enough to be invited to Elmo's birthday party today. We met the three-and-half year old monster, played gamed, sang songs, and previewed Elmo's latest DVD, Elmo's Favorite Things. It was a blast!

So, in hindsight I would add Elmo and pals to my must-have list. What would you add? Post some ideas for other toddler parents

image © Maureen Ryan